The Arkies have been migrating north into Missouri too. Missouri had its first season last year, 5 or 10 tags issued. The state killed one a few miles west of my house last year that had became a nuisance. See more media reports of sightings with pictures. Buddy saw one get hit and killed on the south edge of Springfield, MO last year on the highway.
Missouris population is 800 and growing at 9% a year they believe. Any Facebook post the conservation department puts up about hunting them brings out the Karen’s in full force.
Didn't know bears were scarce in Missouri - I saw one on Fort Leonard Wood, summer of 1973.
Didn't think much of it, at the time.
