Photos: Bear Spotted Exploring Katy Trail in Missouri

There are few experiences quite like hiking or biking the Katy Trail in Missouri. That iconic trail across Missouri got even more exciting recently as travelers encountered a curious young bear exploring the path and there are pictures to prove it.

Huge thank you to Lynzey Jennings Gilbertson who was kind enough to share pictures she captured of this young bear while she was traveling the Katy Trail. This was her original share on Facebook on May 24, 2025.

She was kind enough to share her original larger photos with me to share with you.

The Katy Trail is one of the must-do experiences in Missouri. It's 240 miles long, but you can also do it in smaller journeys if you prefer as there are many trailheads along the trail. These photos shared by Lynzey are a great reminder that it's also now a part of bear country in Missouri. While bears will rarely ever attack you, it's important to do what Lynzey did and go the other direction and give the animal space if you see one.

Thanks again to Lynsey for allowing us to share her bear encounter with the world.