Black Bear Management in Missouri

Black Bear Open Houses

Get information on black bears in Missouri, MDC black-bear research projects and management efforts, MDC’s draft black bear management plan, potential future hunting opportunities, and how to handle conflicts with nuisance bears. Share your comments with MDC staff.

Open houses 6 – 8 p.m. with a presentation at 6 p.m. No registration is required.

• July 9 – MDC Springfield Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way in Springfield
• July 11 -- The Landing, 110 Front St. in Van Buren
• July 18 -- First Baptist Church, 202 Walnut St. in West Plains
• July 30 – MDC Powder Valley Nature Center, 11715 Cragwold Road in St. Louis

For more information, contact MDC Public Involvement Coordinator Michele Baumer at Michele.Baumer@mdc.mo.gov, or 573-522-4115 Ext. 3350.

We want to hear from you about bears in Missouri!

Missouri’s black bear population is growing and expanding. Bears sightings are becoming more common and widespread, as is nuisance activity. Report bear sightings.

Black Bear Management Plan: MDC’s Black Bear Management Plan was recently updated and we are requesting feedback.

Population Management: MDC estimates there are 540 – 840 bears in Missouri. Hunting will be the primary tool for managing black bear numbers. MDC plans to begin deliberations relative to a hunting season now that the bear population exceeds the 500 bear benchmark established by the 2008 Black Bear Management Plan.

Be Bear Aware: Never feed bears. Remove or secure items that can attract bears (bird feeders, trash, pet food, etc.). Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear.

Managing Human-Bear Conflict: Prevent human-bear conflicts by being Bear Aware. Contact your MDC Regional Office to report issues or visit the Black Bear Control link below for information on preventing damage.

Beginning July 1, you can share feedback on the Draft Black Bear Management Plan and black bear management in Missouri.