With warming weather and the many wonders of nature awakening in spring, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds people, especially in the Ozarks, to be bear wise.
Black bears in Missouri and Arkansas are waking up and are focused on fattening up after a long winter’s sleep. Unsecured food sources around homes and outbuildings could attract the attention of a hungry bear.
Nate Bowersock, a department furbearer biologist, said it is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food and food waste.
