MDC Urges Residents to Be “BearWise” as Black Bears Emerge Across Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - With warmer spring weather arriving, the Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding residents across the state to be “BearWise” as black bears emerge from winter hibernation.

Missouri is home to an estimated 1,000 or more black bears, and conservation officials say these animals are now actively searching for food to rebuild energy lost during the winter months.

MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock says bears are especially focused on finding high-calorie food sources this time of year.

“Black bears are super-focused on finding food in the spring,” said Bowersock. “When the eating is good, a bear can put on two to three pounds a day.”

Because of that, unsecured food sources around homes and outbuildings, such as trash, pet food, bird feeders, and grills, can easily attract bears into residential areas.

Bowersock says it is important for residents to remove or secure anything that could draw a bear’s attention and to allow the animals to rely on natural food sources instead.

“If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure not to offer it any food,” he said.

Officials warn that intentionally feeding bears can create dangerous situations. Bears that become accustomed to humans may approach homes or people in search of food, potentially leading to property damage or safety concerns.

“When bears lose their fear of humans, they could approach people or become defensive of food sources near people,” Bowersock said. “When this happens, the bear cannot be relocated and has to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead bear.”

MDC offers several tips to prevent bear encounters, including storing garbage in secure containers, keeping grills clean and stored, removing outdoor pet food, and avoiding the use of bird feeders between April and November.

When outdoors, residents are encouraged to make noise while hiking, travel in groups, keep pets leashed, and avoid areas where bear activity is present.

Black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive, but conservation officials say awareness and prevention are key to keeping both people and wildlife safe this spring.