Feared Missouri Predator Returning to Woods Any Moment Now

It's almost time. A feared Missouri predator that continues to have an increasing profile in the Show Me State is about to reappear in the woods any moment now.

Missouri is fortunate to have many interesting critters in the woods. One predator in particular has had a growing population especially over the past several years. The Missouri Department of Conservation has warned that this beast originally seen only in the southern part of the state is now migrating northward.

I'm of course talking about the American Black Bear which is now very much a part of the Missouri wilds.

If you look at the newly updated range chart, you can see that black bears are now seen in almost every county in the state even in the northern half.

The state says that black bears in Missouri have a routine where "winter inactivity usually extends into April". The key word is "usually". In the next few weeks, you will start hearing reports of black bears in Missouri. I guarantee it.

How can you tell if a bear has been in the part of Missouri where you are?

The state of Missouri says watch for these tracks which has 5 toes and is about 5 inches (or more) long.

You'll start seeing bears in the Missouri woods any moment now. If you're in the backcountry, assume there are bears near you and keep your food out of reach and not near your campsite. That's the safest way to exist with these apex predators as you enjoy the beauty of the wild part of Missouri.