Black bear spotted in Butler County prompts reminder from conservation officials
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
BUTLER COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) — A black bear spotted in a Butler County backyard is reminding Southeast Missouri residents what to do if they encounter one.
A viewer shared video with FOX23 showing the bear walking through a residential property.
Russel Duckworth, regional protection supervisor with the Missouri Department of Conservation, said while black bear sightings remain uncommon in southeast Missouri, they are becoming more frequent as Missouri’s bear population continues to grow.
“In southeast Missouri it is uncommon,” Duckworth said. “Now, having said that, our black bear population does continue to grow.”
Duckworth said he was not surprised to learn of the Butler County sighting, noting the region has seen an increase in bear activity as the population expands.
He said bears are often drawn into neighborhoods by easily accessible food sources, including deer feeders, bird feeders and unsecured trash.
“People have to understand that any constant food source for a bear is typically going to draw them to the area,” Duckworth said. “As long as that food source is there, it’s going to encourage them to kind of hang around.”
Duckworth said most black bears are simply passing through while searching for food and generally avoid people.
“They are simply passing through,” he said. “They’re looking for something to eat. They’re going to be as afraid of you as you are potentially of them.”
If residents encounter a black bear, Duckworth recommends keeping a safe distance, never approaching the animal—especially if it is with cubs—and allowing it to move through the area on its own.
He also encourages people to avoid drawing crowds to a bear’s location, saying the goal is to let the animal continue on its way without being disturbed.
“If you happen to see one, take a photo of it from a distance,” Duckworth said. “But then please move along. Let it go about its business.”
The Missouri Department of Conservation says reducing attractants around homes can also help prevent future encounters. Residents are encouraged to secure garbage, remove outdoor pet food and bring in bird or deer feeders if bears are active in the area.
