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Missouri’s black bear population growing. Here’s what to know

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles reveal an increase in bear encounters in Missouri due to the state’s rising bear population. All articles discuss the importance of understanding bear behavior and adopting safety measures to prevent conflicts.

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

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. 2: BEAR SPOTTED NEAR KC IS RARE FOR KANSAS. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU MEET ONE?

Any kind of bear is a rarity in Kansas, so the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks wants you to make sure to document where you saw it. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

Missouri wildlife officials have confirmed a handful of bear sightings in the vicinity of Kansas City this week and are advising people to stay clear of any bears they might happen across.

NO. 3: WITH BEARS ON THE MOVE, MISSOURI WILDLIFE OFFICIALS ADVISE AWARENESS

Missouri wildlife officials said a bear was killed in a collision with a vehicle in Howell County, in the southern part of the state, early Sunday. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nathan Pilling

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.