Ava, MO. – This past weekend, it seems the town of Ava, Missouri received a special guest in the form of a bear. A young black bear, to be specific.
Department of Conservation officials stated the young bear was likely chasing the smell of food when it found itself in the middle of town.
Sightings like these are expected to increase in the future, as the bear population in Missouri has supposedly rising by roughly 8-9% year over year. In a recent interview with MissouriNet, Department of Conservation officials stated they expect the roughly 1000 count population of bears within Missouri to double in size over the next decade.
While some people may worry over the danger a bear might present, it’s important to remember that they’re not too different that the raccoons or opossums we deal with in the Ozarks, and that keeping your food and trash secured is the best form of prevention.
