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Missouri's Growing Black Bear Population Means 'It's All Bear Country'

By Steve Kraske,

Published February 23, 2021 at 5:51 AM CST

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Missouri Department of Conservation wildlife biologist Laura Conlee conduct a black bear cub survey during early spring season in Willow Spring, Missouri. — Missouri Department of Conservation furbearer biologist Laura Conlee conducts a black bear cub survey with colleagues during the spring season in Willow Spring, Missouri.

As Missouri’s black bear population continues to grow at a rate of 9% annually, bear sightings are more likely — even in major cities like Kansas City and St. Louis.

That means all Missouri residents should be prepared to come into contact with bears, especially while hiking or on vacation in southern parts of the state. Missouri might even institute a bear hunt this October.

Laura Conlee, a furbearer biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation's Black Bear Project

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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