Motorists spotted an injured black bear this afternoon outside Neosho on Highway 59 just north of HH.
The Neosho Sheriff's Department, Missouri Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Conservation responded to the scene. The bear, a 150-pound juvenile male had injuries to his side and could not stand. His hip appeared to be broken and suspecting internal injuries MDC made the call that he be put down rather than suffer in the oppressive heat.
"People need to be aware and not only watch for deer, but watch for bears coming out," said Scott Burger, Missouri Department of Conservation protection district supervisor. "They can move pretty quick."
Injured animals can also be a road hazard and Burger advised that motorists should call the authorities if they hit a deer or black bear. Hunting black bear is illegal in Missouri, but there is no penalty for accidentally hitting one.
There have been more and more bear sightings in the four state area lately, another black bear was injured near Sarcoxie just a couple of months ago. The animals were once native to the area and are now making a comeback.
A monitoring effort is under way in the southwest corner of the state and the conservation department will be tagging some animals with radio collars to get a better idea of their population and habits in this area.
Samples of fur and tissue will be used to compare genetics of the Neosho bear with others in the area so conservationists can learn more about them.
For more on this story see Thursday’s edition of the Neosho Daily News.
