Black bear making rounds in Central Missouri

(Missourinet) A black bear is making its way through mid-Missouri. It was seen in Boone County in the city limits of Centralia on Saturday. Daryl Damron, Wildlife Damage Biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation says it’s believed to be the same bear that was spotted in Callaway County just days before. “This time of year” “We have no idea where it is now. I think its left Centralia. In all likelihood the bear is a juvenile male who’s dispersing from his you know original home range and they just want to explore places they have never been. Trying to find a new home. Trying to find and establish a territory, looking for food. They just follow their nose kind of this time of year.”

According to Mass.gov, If you encounter a black bear, remain calm, don’t run, and allow the bear a clear escape route. Speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice, slowly back away, and avoid direct eye contact. If the bear is aggressive or you are attacked, fight back aggressively with anything available, and do not “play dead”.