Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Black Bear Sighted Between Hopkins & Pickering in 2010

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports that a black bear was sighted between Hopkins and Pickering along the 102 River back in 2010. The next closest black bear sighting to the area was along the Gentry-Harrison County Line between Albany and New Hampton in 2011. There have been no more recent sightings reported to the MDC; however, the Conservation Department reports that they are making a comeback in Missouri after having been driven out with settlement. The MDC has launched a new map online which tracks black bear sightings.

The MDC estimates that there are currently 350 black bears in the state. The MDC Conservation Commission has established a benchmark of 500 black bears before they initiate a hunting season. The MDC has marked 145 bears and has tracking collars on another 90 to better track bear movements throughout the state.

The website www.bearsmart.com has more information about bears. They say that people should not feed bears, because of the possibility of vehicle accidents and human-bear conflicts.

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