Bear Sightings in Jefferson and Surrounding Counties

(Jefferson County) Black bear sightings have been on the increase locally with the most recent sightings coming from the Fenton area in northern Jefferson and southern St. Louis Counties.

On Sunday evening Missouri Department of Conservation Agents tracked down a bear in Richmond Heights and were able to tranquilize the animal before relocating it to a less populated area.

While black bears are more common across southern Missouri in the Ozarks, Jefferson County MDC Agent Lexis Wilson says it’s not uncommon to have a few bears make their way up into our area.

Wilson and MDC Agent Ben Bardot go over what you should do if you ever encounter a bear.

It’s estimated Missouri has between 550-850 black bears.

Earlier this year the Missouri Conservation Commission officially approved a black bear hunting season for state residents.

The application process is ongoing through the end of May and 400 permits will be selected for the season which will run from October 18th through the 27th.

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