A bear was spotted this morning, May 23, at Hillcrest and American Legion drives in Festus. Authorities believe it’s the same bear spotted May 17 south of Festus.
At least, it seems to be the same animal, said Ben Bardot, the Missouri Department of Conservation agent for Jefferson County.
“I think it’s probably the same one,” Bardot said. “It’s moving around this area. It looks like a sub-adult male.”
Based on descriptions, it’s a black bear with a reddish tint to its fur, said Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation spokesman.
The Festus Police received a call about the latest bear sighting at about 6 a.m. Monday, Chief Doug Wendel said.
“A man said he saw a bear walking through his neighbor’s yard,” Wendel said. “We sent officers over, but it was gone by the time they got there.”
Throughout the day, people posted on Facebook that they had seen the bear at different locations around the Twin City area.
Bardot advised people to continue taking precautions to protect their families and their pets, while adding a bear’s first inclination is to avoid humans.
A bear was spotted this morning, May 23, at Hillcrest and American Legion drives in Festus. Authorities believe it’s the same bear spotted May 17 south of Festus.
At least, it seems to be the same animal, said Ben Bardot, the Missouri Department of Conservation agent for Jefferson County.
“I think it’s probably the same one,” Bardot said. “It’s moving around this area. It looks like a sub-adult male.”
Based on descriptions, it’s a black bear with a reddish tint to its fur, said Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation spokesman.
The Festus Police received a call about the latest bear sighting at about 6 a.m. Monday, Chief Doug Wendel said.
“A man said he saw a bear walking through his neighbor’s yard,” Wendel said. “We sent officers over, but it was gone by the time they got there.”
Throughout the day, people posted on Facebook that they had seen the bear at different locations around the Twin City area.
Bardot advised people to continue taking precautions to protect their families and their pets, while adding a bear’s first inclination is to avoid humans.
“The bear is going to run away from a threat unless it’s cornered,” he said.
Zarlenga offered the following suggestions to remain safe from bears.
■ Be careful about putting food out for pets. If you have to feed a pet outside, give them just enough for a meal, then take any remaining food inside.
■ Make sure your trash is sealed or wait to put it out until the morning of its collection.
■ Also, use caution with grills. Either thoroughly clean them or keep them inside. The meat drippings may attract bears.
■ Bears can also be attracted to bird feeders. You might want to take them inside for a few days or, possibly a week, until time has passed since any sightings.
For more information, go to mdc.mo.gov and search “bear reports.”
Source: Leader
