MDC’s ongoing bear research indicates Missouri is home to around 800 black bears, and that population is growing by 8% each year.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding southeast Missouri residents to “Be Bear Aware,” with now being prime time for seeing young male black bears on the move.
MDC Southeast Regional Administrator Matt Bowyer said only one species can be found in this state — the American black bear — though multiple color phases can be found in Missouri other than black, such that a bear’s fur can be brown, red, or cinnamon in color.
“Young bears begin to wander seeking food and new areas to settle,” said Bowyer. “This time of year we are likely to see a bear, or two, as young males naturally wander in search of a new place to call home.”
Bear population is expanding, both in total numbers and range, he said, which might explain the uptick in sightings in recent years. MDC’s ongoing bear research indicates the Show-Me-State is currently home to around 800 black bears, and that population is growing by 8% each year.
“These creatures are part of our state’s natural history, and many people enjoy the thought of seeing one of these impressive animals,” said Bowyer. “But with an expanding population of bears, however, comes an increased potential of human-bear interactions.”
And, he noted, while generally not aggressive, black bears are driven to find food, and they can become accustomed to obtaining food from humans.
MDC suggests the following tips to avoid issues if a bear has been sighted in the area:
Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container or location.
Regularly clean and disinfect trash containers to minimize smells that could attract bears.
Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.
Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.
Refrain from using bird feeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area.
Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.
For more on black bears in Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov/bearaware. Report bear sightings and submit photos online at mdc.mo.gov/reportbears.
In addition to directly educating Missourians on how to Be Bear Aware about black bears in the state, MDC is also affiliated with the BearWise® program. BearWise is a multi-state education effort developed by black bear biologists and supported by state wildlife agencies, such as MDC, that provides sound information and smart solutions that help people, neighborhoods, and communities prevent problems with black bears and keep bears wild. BearWise shares ways to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild. Learn more at BearWise.org.
The 2022 Stoddard County Athletic Association All-Conference Baseball Team has been announced.
Marcus Massey-Bernie named Coach of the Year.
Jack Bailey - Advance
Jed Garner - Advance
Reece Justice - Bernie
Patrick Liddell - Bernie
John Nimmo - Bernie
Caleb Upchurch - Bloomfield
Taylor Condict - Dexter
Kaeden Kennedy - Dexter
Cole Barnfield - Puxico
Lane VanGennip - Woodland
Cecil Abernathy - Woodland
Co-Players of the Year: Jed Garner from Advance, Kaeden Kennedy from Dexter, John Nimmo from Bernie
Coach of the Year: Coach Marcus Massey - Bernie
Pictured are John Nimmo discussing strategy with Coach Marcus Massey.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Bearcat Booster Club’s inaugural Matt Thurmon Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled to be held at the Hidden Trails Country Club in Dexter, Missouri, on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
Matt Thurmon was a member of the Bearcat Booster Club, and served as President of the Hidden Trails Country Club for several years in addition to operating his local insurance business. He had a passion for youth athletics. Matt worked tirelessly on behalf of the area youth and the Hidden Trails Country Club.
The charity golf tournament will have two rounds available. The morning group will begin at 8 a.m. and the afternoon group will begin at 1 p.m. Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be served to all players.
The four-person scramble golf tournament will be held in Dexter annually to raise funds to assist the Dexter Bearcat Booster Club in providing support to the schools’ student activity programs. Thurmon was known to embody the tenets of the Booster Club, which encourages school spirit, citizenship, and physical growth through keen competition.
To enter the golf tournament, or to be a sponsor of the event, contract Jerry Dorton at jdorton@onemidwest.com, call 573-624-3571, or sign up at Hidden Trails Country Club. A registration form is also available online by clicking HERE.
Donations or gifts will be accepted to sponsor golf holes, golf carts and prizes for the players. Interested sponsors are welcome to call the above listed phone number for additional information.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each flight. Hole prizes will also be given for closest to the pin, longest putt, and longest drive.
The 2021 - 2022 All SCAA Conference Softball Team was announced.
Players are:
From Advance: Addison Carlton, Freshman, Kaylee Cline, Sophomore, and Alandry Below, Senior.
From Bernie: Piper Schoemehl, Senior, and Anna Eaton, Senior.
From Bloomfield: Karsynn Phillips, Senior.
From Dexter: Amelia Jenkins, Sophomore, and Kennedy Bess, Senior.
From Woodland: Rhodie Long, Sophomore, and Lilly Long, Senior.
Player of the Year: Addison Carlton, Freshman, Advance
Coach of the Year: James Hamlin of Advance.
Bloomfield, MO - Chris Smith, new Bloomfield High School Baseball Coach, has set up a Bloomfield Wildcats Co-Ed Baseball Camp set for June 20th - 22nd at the High School field from 9 a.m. - noon each date for grades 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Cost is $30 per athlete and there are sponsorships available.
Little athletes will learn about throwing/catching, hitting, fielding, base running, and there will be daily games with prizes.
Campers will receive a T-shirt.
Campers can wear shorts/pants and tennis shoes/plastic cleats; Must bring a glove, hat, and water - a helmet and bat are preferred
"We want all children to be able to attend camp, sponsors are available to cover the cost of the camp for up to 10 children," commented Smith. "If you are interested in sponsors a camper let me know via email. I would greatly appreciate it."
Checks are payable to Bloomfield Schools.
To register complete the Google Form or for more information contact Coach Chris Smith at email: csmith@BPS14.org or call/text: 573.429.1381
