Conservation Officials Educate Residents on How to Deal With Rising Black Bear Numbers

St. Louis, MO (KTRS) The Missouri Department of Conservation is educating the community on how to deal with the growing population of black bears in the state. After being overhunted and almost completely eradicated in the late 1800’s, black bear numbers have been steadily increasing, with current estimates at over 800 bears statewide. Conservation officials…

St. Louis Restored Prairie in Bloom but Faces Threats

ST. LOUIS, MO (AP) — A restored St. Louis prairie of native grasses and flowers is in bloom, but the nature reserve’s conservation is threatened by inaction and invasive plants. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that biologists discovered the 25-acre prairie hidden at Calvary Cemetery in the 1990s, protected from agricultural development. Erin Shank is an urban…

State Considering New Rules to Slow Chronic Wasting Disease

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) — The Missouri Department of Conservation is considering changing state regulations to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease, an always-fatal disease that affects deer, moose and elk. Barbara Keller of the conservation department said during a meeting Tuesday in Cape Girardeau that one possible change would prohibit importing deer carcasses…

Hunt Begins for Christmas Tree for Governor’s Mansion

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) — Missouri officials are on the hunt for the Christmas tree that will grace the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion. The Jefferson City News-Tribune reports that the Missouri Department of Conservation is asking landowners, homeowners, businesses and communities that may have possible candidate trees to contact the department. The donated tree must…