As spring continues, people may see more black bears as they leave their winter dens in search of food, territory and mates, conservation officials say.
Missouri has a growing population of about 800 black bears, and people should “be bear aware,” according to Missouri Department of Conservation.
Although the name can be misleading, black bears may sometimes have brown, cinnamon and read coats. While most of the mammals are found in southern Missouri, south of I-44, MDC research shows that black bears are growing and expanding their range northward.
“Late spring and early summer are prime times for bears to be on the move,” said Laura Conlee, MDC Resource Scientist and Furbearer and Black Bear Biologist, via news release.