Two bear sightings were reported in southern Jefferson County this week, but it’s likely it was the same animal spotted in both instances, officials with the state Department of Conservation said today (June 8).
“In the last few days, we’ve had a couple of reports of sightings,” said Lexis Riter, a conservation agent for Jefferson County. “The first was at the St. Francois County line of a bear running along the road off Hwy. 67. That was Monday (June 4) about 7 or 8 o’clock. Yesterday (June 7), I received an email with pictures of a bear from our department wildlife biologist. It was in the area of Hwy. 67 and Victoria Road (west of Festus). It does sound like the same bear.”
Riter said the animal is a black bear even though it does not have black-colored fur.
“It’s a cinnamon-colored black bear,” Riter said. “The only species of bear we have (in Missouri) is black bear. Their shades can vary from cinnamon to black.”
Riter said the department monitors reports of bears but does not necessarily take action.
The bear should move along on its own, she said.
“Unless it becomes a nuisance issue, we would leave it alone,” she said.
Riter said she understands why people are alarmed about bear sightings, but she hopes they will leave the bear alone unless it threatens them, pets or livestock.
“In the state of Missouri, it is illegal to kill a bear unless it is attacking,” she said. “If you have concerns, contact the Department of Conservation. We need to coexist with bears with their growing population.”
The Missouri Department of Conservation website (mdc.mo.gov) offers advice concerning encounters with bears. The following are some of the tips:
■ Never corner a bear – make sure it has an escape route.
■ Back away slowly with your arms raised.
■ Speak in a calm, loud voice.
■ Do not turn your back on a bear.
■ Walk away slowly – do not run.
To report a bear sighting, call Riter at 314-696-9425 or Kyle Dunda at 314-954-5697.