Recently, the Missouri Department of Conservation put a reminder out to the public regarding the growing black bear population across the state, and how the warmer summer months means that those same bears will be on the move looking for food or new territory.
According to ongoing research on the topic, Missouri has around just shy of 1000 black bears, with an estimated growth rate of 8% a year. This number might not seem like a lot until you start breaking down the numbers. With the increase in population we will, naturally, have an increase in sightings to pair with it as the bears expand their overall range. This is especially true during late spring and early summer, as many young bears will be seeking food and new areas to settle in.
While this does mean that individuals should remain vigilant, this doesn’t mean anyone needs to raise the alarm. Missouri’s black bear population isn’t aggressive, and limiting access to food is the best deterrent to keeping your property safe from routine bear visits.
MDC suggests the following tips to avoid issues if a bear has been sighted in the area.
- Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container or location.
- Regularly clean and disinfect trash containers to minimize smells that could attract bears.
- Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.
- Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.
- Refrain from using birdfeeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area.
- Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.
These measures will also reduce problems with more common critters like raccoons and coyotes.
While black bears are generally a shy, non-aggressive species and bear attacks are rare throughout their range in North America, MDC offers these tips to stay safe when hiking and camping in bear country:
- Never deliberately offer a bear food!
- Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries, and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees.
- Do not keep food or toiletries in a tent, and do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.
- While hiking, make noise, such as clapping, singing, or talking loudly, to prevent surprising a bear.
- Travel in a group if possible.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- If hiking or camping in bear country, consider carrying bear spray. Read the instructions carefully and keep bear spray immediately available on your belt or your pack’s waist strap, not buried inside your pack.
- Be aware of surroundings. If there are signs of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area.
- Leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route.
For more on black bears in Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov/bearaware. Report bear sightings and submit photos online at mdc.mo.gov/reportbears.
