Missouri Issues Warning About Danger of Driving in Bear Country

As the presence of black bears continues to increase in Missouri, we've learned to be more bear aware in the back country. Now, the state is warning that we also need to be more aware of these apex predators when we're behind the wheel with disturbing reminders of the frequency of collisions.

The Missouri Department of Conservation shared this short video on YouTube reminding drivers in bear country to be "Bear Wise" when behind the wheel.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says that the number one cause of bear deaths in Missouri is vehicle collisions. Do you remember the video of the crash in Missouri years ago when a bear bolted across a Missouri highway and collided with a truck?

Just last year, a bear was struck by a vehicle and killed crossing I-55 in Missouri.

It's a new reality in Missouri as black bears are now not just found in southern Missouri, but also migrating to the northeast now, too.