Bear’s death reminds us not to feed them

Missouri Department of Conservation

On May 23, a bear was struck and killed on Interstate 55 near Festus – a reminder that bears are especially active this time of year, and that bear-human encounters are more likely.

So the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds St. Louis region residents that 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 state is currently home to around 900 black bears and that population is growing by 9 percent 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 of Missouri, 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.

Range Expanding

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, spring and summer are prime times 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 the 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.

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.

• 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.