JEFFERSON CITY (KMOX) — If you want to learn more about black bears in Missouri, the state's Department of Conservation is setting up several open houses for you. Spokeswoman Laura Conlee says black bears were almost extinct in the early 20th century but have rebounded.
"Previous estimates were around 300 to 350 (black bears)," spokeswoman Laura Conlee told KMOX. "And our recent work indicates that we have about 540 to 840 black bears in the state."
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They'll go over information on management efforts and how to handle nuisance bears in your neighborhood, among other topics.
Most bear sightings in the St. Louis region come from heavily wooded areas south of I-44 -- and they're likely young males looking for food who are too young to mate.
The first open house is Tuesday in Springfield, Mo. St. Louisans will get their chance to learn about black bears July 30 at Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood.
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