OT- Bears are expanding their Missouri territory!

[TedH]

We were out on the farm making final preparations for Saturday's firearms deer opener. My brother told me of an archery hunter that was on a large piece of neighboring property that had a black bear walk past his stand a few days ago. There have been bears in the southern part of the state for a while, but this is the first report of a bear sighting I have heard of this far north, just on the south side of I-70. I was thinking about setting up a bait site and just putting a trail camera on it just to see what might show up. I know it's not a big deal to you all that live amongst bears, but it's pretty exciting for me to actually have a chance to have some in our area now.

[Beaker]

We will bear with you and your excitement.

[Dave]

That is cool! If you have bears that means you have some good habitat.

[awp101]

Well, you know what they say: Missouri loves company...

[Lobo]

Hi All,

Here in West Virginia we have bears (our state animal), so they're not expanding their territory, but they're increasing in numbers. One was recently seen within fifty feet of the back side of the local Wal~Mart here in Preston County.

[Sarge]

Keep us posted, Ted. You're considerable north of me. Are you east, west or central?

[TedH]

This bear was about 70 miles west of St. Louis, just south of I-70.

[Huntermb]

The bear population here in Manitoba is on the rise too. lots of them around and seeing lots of the different colour phases as well. Hope you get some good pics on your trail cam!

[19112TAP]

I was helping at a hunters safety class and was talking with a gamewarden about the bear in Missouri and what was going on with the DNR, his comments were that the DNR is doing a extensive study now and if they have the number of bear that they think then he predicted a hunting season in two to four years.

[TedH]

That would be great, but I'd think it would only be in selected southern counties.

[2ndovc]

Cool.

They're showing up more and more in eastern Ohio. A bear season here would be cool.

jb

[Huntermb]

Bear hunting is one of my favourite things to do

[TedH]

Mine too! But it has always included an expensive trip out of state to do it.

[Mac in Mo]

Hey Ted,

Was this somewhere near Cuba? My property is 35 miles south of Rolla. I have been hoping to see bear or sign there for years, but nothing yet. I'm sure a season would be very limited in scope.


Kevin