SULLIVAN, Mo. — Police are asking the public to steer clear of a young bear that was sighted in Sullivan.
The Sullivan Independent News shared photos Wednesday of the bear walking near Buffalo Cemetery, which is located on North Mansion Street just south of Interstate 44. In the series of photos, the bear looks at the camera and then takes off down a gravel road.
The Sullivan Police Department asked the public to stay away from the area and leave the bear alone.
"Extra attention could excite the animal and hinder efforts to resolve this issue," the department said.
PHOTOS: Bear cub spotted in Sullivan
It is unclear how old the bear is. Black bear cubs typically stay with their mothers for about 18 months and then go off on their own, according to the National Park Service.
Be Bear Aware
The Missouri Department of Conservation has several tips on how to be bear-aware. Above all, people should leave bears alone and not feed them under any circumstances, as it makes bears lose their natural fear of humans and teaches them to seek out humans as food providers.
A bear that is used to getting food from people may become aggressive and dangerous, MDC said. In that case, they'd have to be killed to keep people safe.
To avoid confrontations, hikers and campers are recommended to make noise such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, so as not to surprise bears. Traveling in groups is recommended.
Dogs should be kept leashed and people should be aware of signs of bears, such as tracks or claw and bite marks on trees.
Anyone who encounters a bear is advised not to corner it, and to walk away slowly with their arms raised. Speak in a calm, loud voice, and walk away slowly without turning your back to the bear.
Black bears are native to Missouri but were nearly wiped out when settlers came to the area. However, they've been making a comeback in recent years, MDC said. Most black bears live south of Interstate 44, but some wanderers, especially subadult males, have been seen as far north as the Iowa line.
For more information on black bears in Missouri, click here.
To report a bear sighting to MDC, click here.