MDC biologists say recent bear incident reminds St. Louis region residents not to feed them, and take precautions when camping

St. LOUIS, Mo.— On May 23, a bear was struck and killed on I-55 near Festus—a reminder that bears are especially active this time of year, and that bear-human encounters are more likely. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds St. Louis region residents black bears are becoming a growing part of the St. Louis area landscape, even at times in highly populated areas. 

MDC’s ongoing bear research indicates the Show-Me-State is currently home to around 900 black bears, and that population is growing by 9% each year.   Only one species can be found in this state—the American black bear (Ursus americanus)—though multiple color phases can occur in Missouri other than black, such that a bear’s fur can be brown, red, or cinnamon in color.

Most of our bears are found in the southern part Missouri, according to MDC wildlife biologists, which is where the largest tracts of forested habitat are.   Despite their primary concentration in the Ozarks, sightings and potential encounters with bears are likely to increase in the St. Louis region as the population continues to grow.

Research shows the population is expanding its range too, which might explain the uptick in sightings in recent years. As the population grows and expands, bears are showing up in areas further north. Additionally, late spring/early summer is prime time for bears to be on the move. Young bears begin to wander seeking food and new areas to settle and adult males begin moving large distances in search of females.   

These creatures are part of our state’s natural history, and many people enjoy the thought of seeing one of these impressive animals.  While generally not aggressive, like any wild animal black bears are driven to find food.  It takes a lot of calories to fuel an animal that typically weighs several hundred pounds, and as they emerge from hibernation in spring, they’re especially hungry.  Bears are attracted to a variety of food sources this time of year.

Food, or rather the lack of it, is key to avoiding conflicts with bears.  The last thing homeowners should do is tempt them with any sort of food source, whether it be intentionally or unintentionally.  Feeding bears is dangerous as it makes the bears comfortable around people. It can also lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for a meal.

A bear that grows accustomed to obtaining food from humans can become a problem which could result in an increased number of encounters, bolder behavior, property damage, and even the euthanizing of the bear. Tempting a bear to stick around high population areas with ready food sources also increases the chance of a fatal vehicle encounter, like the one near Festus.

These types of situations can be prevented by ensuring bears don’t have access to easy foods. 

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 four 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.
• Make noise, such as clapping, singing, or talking loudly, while hiking 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.

With a few sensible measures, it’s possible to welcome back Missouri’s black bears as our neighbors in the wild, without inviting them to the dinner table.

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.

In addition to directly educating Missourians on how to Be Bear Aware about black bears in the state, MDC is also affiliated with the BearWise® program. BearWise is a multi-state education effort developed by black bear biologists and supported by state wildlife agencies, such as MDC, that provides sound information and smart solutions that help people, neighborhoods, and communities prevent problems with black bears and keep bears wild. BearWise shares ways to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild. Learn more at BearWise.org.