Black bear sighting in St. Charles County prompts safety warnings – KSDK

LAKE ST LOUIS, Mo. — St. Charles County Animal Control is closely monitoring a black bear that has been spotted roaming through parts of the county, with the latest sighting reported near the Walmart in Lake Saint Louis.
Several viewers shared photos and videos with 5 On Your Side showing a bear wandering on Friday and Saturday in Lake Saint Louis and along the Katy Trail in Chesterfield.
With spring in full swing, Missouri’s more than 1,000 black bears are emerging from hibernation nd expanding their food search, often leading them into human communities. The increased bear activity poses risks for human communities that don’t adequately prepare for their arrival.
Following this weekend’s sightings, St. Charles County officials are urging residents to remain alert and take steps to prevent attracting the bear.
“Do not approach the bear,” St. Charles County Public Health said in a Facebook post Saturday.
Wildlife experts warn that bears often become aggressive and dangerous when they learn they can easily get food in human communities. At that point, conservation agents’ only option tends to be killing the bear.  Once bears see human communities as an easy food source, it’s nearly impossible for them to quit.
The health department encouraged St. Charles County residents to:
Keep dogs on a leash when outside, and keep an eye on any outdoor pets.
Secure trash and recycling bins to avoid attracting bears looking for food.
Residents who see the bear are urged to avoid interacting with it and report the sighting to the Missouri Department of Conservation or your local authorities.
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