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MDC offers Bear Necessities for Being Bear Aware program at Busch Conservation Area July 10
ST. CHARLES, Mo.—It seems like bears are everywhere lately. They’ve made several appearances in the St. Louis region within the last month and as Missouri’s bear population continues to slowly expand, we’re likely to be seeing more of the Show-Me-State’s largest creatures.
To help educate area residents on black bears, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a Bear Necessities for Being Bear Aware program at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Tuesday, July 10 from 5:30 -6:30 p.m. The event is open to families and all ages.
“It is important that people realize that bears are a significant part of Missouri’s history and our future landscape. We can live alongside them if we take the proper precautions,” said MDC Naturalist Nicki Wheaton.
The program will briefly cover the history of black bears in Missouri, what they look like, where they live, and their habits during the year. Participants will also learn what precautions people should take when living or partaking in recreational activities in bear country.
Wheaton said the most important take away message, especially for those who might not be able to attend, is “A fed bear is a dead bear.”
“When bears associate human dwellings as a place for food they often become nuisance bears, and may have to be euthanized,” she said.
Bear Necessities for Being Bear Aware is a free program, but advanced, online registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/ydbzsrku.
The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D in St. Charles, about two miles west of Highway 94.