Black bear population increases in Missouri

The black bear population is looking up as we head into the future across the state. This also means increased sightings possible across Mid-Missouri. Black bear populations are increasing at a rate of 8%. The current population estimation is just under 1,000 across the Show-Me State. This means in the next ten years, we could see the population nearly doubling.

Nate Bowersack is the black bear and furbearer biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation who explains that black bears are being seen further north the past several years. The last several years, counties, such as Boone County, have typically seen one to two black bear sightings. Black bears are typically seen south of the Missouri river and seen in higher rates along and south of the I-44 corridor.

Because of the rising population of black bears, Missouri began the first regulated managed black bear season in 2021. The program now sees just under 6,000 Missouri residents apply for 400 tags throughout this past year. These tags are each designated and split between various regional zones across the state. There is a quota of 40 bears this year, which means that once 40 bears are harvested during the 10 day season, the rest of the season will be closed. This should not discourage future hunters as last year, only 12 black bears were harvested.