After the long sleep, black bears in Missouri are soon waking up determined to eat, meaning bear safety is back in season for residents and travelers in common habitats like southern Missouri.
There are an estimated 1,000 American black bears in the state, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, and they are the only bear species located here. Robert Pierce, associate extension professor in fisheries and wildlife at the University of Missouri, notes that most of them live in the southern third of the state, primarily located in the Ozarks.
The "core range" for black bears is south of Interstate 44, according to a Conservation Department map. Boone County is classified as "expansion range," where bears have been observed outside of their core range, but have yet to settle.
But bears will continue to reproduce, Pierce said, and the likelihood of seeing them further north increases as their population does.
“Many of them, they're coming out of hibernation February and March as the weather warms up. So they will be more active and chances of bear sightings will increase during the spring and summer,” Pierce said.
When camping, hiking or enjoying the outdoors, it is especially important during this time of year that people are aware of the presence of black bears. The Missouri Department of Conservation issued a news release Wednesday reminding the public to be "BearWise," ahead of "warming weather and the many wonders of nature awakening in spring."
Driven by their desire to consume as many calories as possible, bears spend most of their day searching for food. Leaving out food or anything tasty to a bear, can lead them right to you, according Pierce and the Conservation Department.
When in or near bear habitats, it's best to follow these guidelines set by Pierce and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Bear these tips in mind
Make sure that things like pet food, bird feeders, uncleaned grills or smokers and garbage/recyclables are left inside or in a bear-proof container.
“They’re taking advantage of foods that are easily accessible, so it's important to kind of keep those food sources in containers that are bear resistant,” Pierce said.
It is advised not to intentionally feed bears anything, as that can lead to them becoming more comfortable around people. If a bear loses its fear of people it becomes more likely to approach them looking for food.
Leaving food out for a bear falls under the same umbrella, as it could continue to come back for food and cause property damages when searching for more.
Black bears are shy and not very aggressive, meaning if you leave them alone, they should reciprocate that.
“They like areas that are undisturbed and pretty free of human activity, so they would be in areas that are fairly rural, particularly in the Ozarks,” Pierce said.
Although it seems counterintuitive, making noise while hiking is a good idea in order to not surprise any unsuspecting bears.
It's also advised to leave your dogs at home, but if they are present make sure that they are on a leash.
If you happen to find yourself face to face with a bear, the Missouri Department of Conservation suggests that you remain calm and back away slowly, making sure not to turn your back to the bear. They also instruct that you should raise your arms, speak in a calm but loud voice and walk — never run — away from it slowly.
A bear encounter may not be very likely, but following these precautions and being educated could save your or someone else's life. The website, mdc.mo.gov/bearwise, has more information, and is also where bear sightings can be reported.