BEAR AWARE: Missouri Highway Patrol encourages driver safety as state bear population grows

BRANSON, Mo. (KY3) -The Missouri Freeway Patrol says because the state’s bear inhabitants grows, it’s possible bears will attempt to get throughout our highways.

“Bears are huge animals, and so they can transfer quick,” stated Francis Skalicky with the Missouri Division of Conservation. “Relying on the structure of the street, autos can transfer quicker. The possibility of that bear getting out of the way in which will not be excellent.”

Skalicky says Missouri’s bear inhabitants is growing by about 9 % yearly.

”That’s a fairly good development charge, and when you might have a superb development charge, you’re going to have a spread that’s increasing,” Skalicky stated. “In different phrases, bears stepping into areas that aren’t superb habitat, however nonetheless livable.”

MDC officers say this time of 12 months, bear exercise could be seen at any time of day. That’s why it’s vital to eradicate distractions when driving to stop crashes involving wildlife.

”Not being in your telephone, not wanting round inside your automotive, “ stated Missouri Freeway Patrol Trooper Samuel Carpenter. “We at all times need your eyes up and out the windshield of issues that may come out within the roadway.”

Trooper Carpenter says an injured animal could be doubtlessly harmful, so in case you strike a bear, don’t method it.

“Don’t attempt to console it, don’t go verify on it,” Carpenter stated.

Skalicky says you must name 911 or your nearest conservation quantity.

“You don’t have to do something your self.”

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