A black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday evening on U.S. 63 south of Houston, authorities said.
Missouri Department of Conservation agent Jeff Crites said the bear was a male juvenile, about two to three years old, and weighed about 125 pounds. Crites retrieved the carcass off the highway.
“Bears are more active in the early spring searching for food,” Crites said. “The young males are even more active trying to find a new home range.”
“As our bear numbers continue to grow, car and bear collisions will also continue to increase,” he said.
Anyone who sees a bear near their house is urged to take precautions.
“It’s really important to make sure all food sources are locked away out of a bear’s reach,” Crites said. “This includes trash, bird feeders, barbecue grills, pet food and so on. If they get food, they keep coming around and cause huge problems.”
