Black bear tracks seen in northern Missouri

GALLATIN, Mo. (AP) -- Black bears haven't been seen in northern Missouri since the 1840s.

But it appears at least one is roaming those parts now. Conservation agents confirm that tracks discovered near Gallatin belong to a juvenile bear, possibly the same one spotted north of Stewartsville Thursday.

An agent said a resident six miles north of Stewartsville reported that his dogs were barking at a bear treed in his yard. It is not known where the bear came from, but Missouri's breeding population is south of Interstate 44 from Joplin to St. Louis.

Black bears also live in states north of Missouri, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Agent Jason Braunecker said a young male bear trying to establish a territory can cover a lot of ground. He also said the bear may be a pet that escaped or was turned loose.

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Information from The St. Joseph News-Press: http://stjoenews.net/news