BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Black bears are on the move in the St. Louis region this summer. Over the last few days, at least one curious bear has been roaming around the Metro East.
Viewers have shared videos with FOX 2 of a black bear roaming around Columbia, Illinois and Belleville, Illinois over the last several days.
It’s very possible it may have been the same bear both locations. The Columbia, Illinois Police Department reported of a bear sighting Sunday and supervised it to the point it eventually made way to the northern part of the city near Bridges Golf Course. Belleville is approximately 15 miles northeast of Columbia.
Conservation agents say bears are very active throughout the spring and early summer. Young bears may wander the landscape in search of food, while adult male bears may cross great distances to find a mate.
According to WildelifeIllinois.org, there are currently not any populations of black bears in Illinois, but “the potential exists for individuals from existing populations in Missouri and Wisconsin to travel into the state.” Illinois officials have confirmed at least six bears in the state over the last few years.
Across state line in Missouri, authorities have also responded to reported bear sightings near Ballwin, Eureka and Kirkwood in St. Louis County this year.
Biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation say the black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear found in the Show Me State. They estimate the state’s current black bear population is growing around 8% each year and nearing 1,000.
Bears are not usually aggressive, according to the MDC. However, their motivation is to eat. Black bears weigh several hundred pounds, so it takes a lot of calories to nourish the animal. That’s why the MDC is warning Missourians and visitors not to feed any bears they encounter.
MDC suggests the following tips to avoid issues if a bear has been sighted in the area:
Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container or location.
Regularly clean and disinfect trash containers to minimize smells that could attract bears.
Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.
Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.
Refrain from using birdfeeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area.
Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.
To report a black bear sighting in your area to the Missouri Department of Conservation, click here.
To report a black bear sighting in your area to the state of Illinois, click here.
NOTE: For the videos, the viewer in Columbia, Illinois asked to remain anonymous. The video from Belleville, Illinois was shared by Gregory Clemons.
