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June 28, 2023Des Moines, Iowa | By: Jeremy Werner
DES MOINES, Iowa - Midwest bear populations are increasing and starting to spread to Iowa.
Black bear populations have seen positive growth for years now, with Missouri itself seeing a robust nine percent annual increase in numbers.
As populations grow, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has noted that the chances for black bears to begin making their way into the state are much higher now, with Iowa not having had a resident bear population for over 100 years.
The DNR is advising residents to engage in common bear precautions this summer, taking care to not leave food and trash outdoors at campsites or trails.
Black bears are omnivorous, and with an acute sense of smell may make their way towards populated areas to forage.
Wildlife Biologist for the DNR Vince Evelsizer states that there is no cause for alarm however, as bear encounters are rare and Black Bears are usually quite skittish.
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