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Three recent bear stories from Missouri highlight population, sightings and challenges

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Missouri's black bear population is on the rise, with numbers climbing to around 1,000 bears statewide. Recent bear sightings have occurred even near urban spaces, such as one spotted close to a Taco Bell in Grandview, and others reported in northern regions as bears move beyond their traditional forested habitats. People are advised to secure food sources and report bear encounters to authorities to avoid conflicts.

The increase in bears comes with challenges, as shown by a case where a hunter illegally killed a black bear on private property, highlighting ongoing issues with wildlife protection and law enforcement.

Hunting for black bears in Missouri was approved by the state’s conservation commission. The new hunting season will be open only to Missouri residents in the fall. Photo from Missouri Department of Conservation.

NO. 1: HOW MANY BEARS LIVE IN MISSOURI? THIS GIANT SPECIES IS MAKING A COMEBACK

Bears have been on the state flag for decades, but the huge mammals are just now beginning to spread across the state. | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

A man illegally shot and killed a black bear on a Missouri property, prosecutors said.

NO. 2: HUNTER ILLEGALLY KILLS BLACK BEAR ON A WHIM, TAKES SELFIE WITH IT, MISSOURI COPS SAY

The man sent a photo with the dead bear to a few people. Then, it ended up in the hands of Missouri investigators. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kate Linderman

A Black Bear is seen walking in a yard near 13th Street and Skyline Drive, where a resident took a picture. Multiple sightings of bears have been recently reported in the Kansas City metro, authorities said.

NO. 3: BLACK BEAR FOUND NEAR A TACO BELL AMONG MULTIPLE SIGHTINGS ACROSS THE KC METRO

People are urged not to approach the bears and call 911 if they see one. | Published May 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kendrick Calfee

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.