Missouri reminds people to be BearWise about black bears this fall

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The fall and winter seasons are around the corner, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding Missourians to beware of black bears.

According to MDC, more than 1,000 black bears are focused on fattening up before the cold winter and can spend up to 20 hours a day looking for food. This can lead to bears conflicting with people, pets and property.

MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock said it is important that people remove things that could draw bears to their homes, like bird feeders, trash, grills, pet food and food waste.

"Black bears are super-focused on finding food in the fall," Bowersock said.

"The quest for calories keeps bears active and foraging up to 20 hours a day. When the eating is good, a bear can put on two to three pounds a day. By hibernation time, many bears will have added about four inches of fat and gained between 20% and 50% of their summer body weight."

This annual feeding frenzy is called "hyperphagia" and is driven by bears counting down to hibernation.

Here are some tips from MDC to protect yourself and your pets:

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

If a bear is near you, take these precautions:

• When hiking, make noise, such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, to prevent surprising a bear.
• Travel in a group, if possible.
• Keep dogs leashed.
• Be aware of the surroundings. If there is evidence of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area.
• Leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route.