Residents should take precautions after a bear recently was spotted wandering in southern Jefferson County, Missouri Department of Conservation spokesman Dan Zarlenga said today, May 18.
“We got a report through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office of a bear seen between Olympian Village and Festus,” Zarlenga said. “It’s just a single report of a black bear. The sex is not known. This particular one is kind of reddish. It was seen about 11 a.m. May 17.”
Zarlenga said there have been no reports about incidents involving the adult bear interacting with people or destroying property.
People should remain on alert for bears this time of year, he said.
“As we get into May and June, it’s not uncommon to see them as they get out of hibernation,” he said. “Also, young bears will be pushed out on their own by their mothers.”
He said bear encounters with humans are relatively rare, but people should take precautions to avoid any incidents.
“(Bears) look kind of cute and cuddly, but they are wild animals,” Zarlenga said. “If you see it, let it be.
“The biggest thing we can do is not deliberately feed bears. Also, don’t inadvertently feed bears.”
Zarlenga added the following suggestions to remain safe from bears:
■ Be careful about putting food out for pets. If you have to feed a pet outside, give them just enough for a meal, then take any remaining food inside.
■ Make sure your trash is sealed or wait to put it out until the morning of its collection.
■ Also, use caution with grills. Either thoroughly clean them or keep them inside. The meat drippings may attract bears.
■ Bears can also be attracted to bird feeders. You might want to take them inside for a few days or, possibly a week, until time has passed since any sightings.
For more information, go to mdc.mo.gov and search “bear reports.”