A male bear was observed wandering around the Solo area for about three hours Sunday, authorities confirm.
The animal – described as weighing about 125 pounds – comes after another bear was struck by a motorist earlier this summer near the Howell and Texas county line
The Missouri Department of Conservation and Texas County Sheriff’s Department were called to observe the bruin, which has been seen in the Solo area by more than one person.
Missouri’s bear population is small. The Missouri Department of Conservation estimates their number at fewer than 500, nearly all of which live south of the Missouri River. Bear numbers are growing slowly as they disperse from established populations in Arkansas, the department says.
Bears are primarily a threat to property, such as bee hives and outbuildings, where livestock feed is stored.
More bears that become nuisances can be scared away, the department says.
Occasionally one must be trapped and relocated. In rare cases, bears that have lost their natural fear of humans must be destroyed, the department says.
The department says people in southern Missouri – especially those living in rural areas – should eliminate the source of such problems – unsecured food.
It offers these tips for avoiding bear problems includes:
-Feeding dogs and cats indoors.
-Storing livestock feed in airtight containers in locked storage areas.
-Putting garbage out the morning of the collection. Double-bag refuse, and add a dash of ammonia to each bag before sealing to discourage bears.
-Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in the compost pile.
-Never intentionally feed bears.