Christopher King serves as president of Queen City Motors, a car sales lot and service center in Springfield, Missouri. In his free time, Christopher King enjoys spending time outside by hiking, especially where he lives in Springfield, Missouri.
As the weather warms, many Missouri residents are venturing outside and enjoy hikes, and they aren’t the only ones. Missouri has a growing population of black bears, and the Missouri Department of Conservation urges residents to be “bear aware.”
The first thing to know about black bears is that they aren’t always black; they can be brown, cinnamon, or red. Black bears are especially on the move in late spring and early winter as they leave their winter homes in search of food and companionship. Hikers should be sure to make noises while on the move, such as clapping or singing, to avoid surprising a bear. It’s also smart to travel in groups when possible. Hikers should also be aware of their surroundings, taking note of tracks or scat, and keep dogs on leashes. If camping, be sure to keep food, toiletries, and trash stowed away or hung up high. Finally, do not approach a bear or offer it food.
For more information about bears in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/bearaware.
Christopher King 