JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The season of spring is officially underway in Missouri, and residents should bear in mind a few safety measures when coming across a particular animal.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to inform individuals to stay aware of the black bears that roam frequently at this time of the year.

“As black bears become active in the spring, they are on a mission to find food,” said Nate Bowersock, MDC Furbearer biologist.  “Keeping areas free of food attractants and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure to not offer it any food.”

According to MDC, the state of Missouri is home to over 1,000 black bears, with many active in the southern areas of the state.

Bowersock noted that feeding bears can pose danger.

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

MDC shared its guidelines for storing food and how to avoid attracting black bears:

  • Store garbage, recyclables and compost in secure buildings or in bear-proof containers
  • Keep grills and smokers clean; store them inside.
  • Don’t leave pet food outside
  • Refrain from using bird feeders in bear country from April through November
  • Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards and other food sources.
  • Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees

If an individual encounters a black bear, MDC recommends these following steps:

  • Make noise, such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, while hiking to prevent surprising a bear
  • Travel in a group if possible
  • Keep dogs leashed
  • Be aware of your surroundings

The most important tip is to not approach the bears. Black bears are usually shy, according to MDC, and attacks from that species are rare.

For more information regarding black bears during the spring season can be found here.