WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. — Bear season in Missouri has ended, but conservationists say a carcass found during bear season may be the result of poaching. The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public for help.
The MDC posted the following on Facebook, on Oct. 27:
We need information about a possible poached black bear recently found in Washington County. The remains were reported to us on Oct. 18. Based on the condition of the remains, investigating agents have determined that the bear was killed within the previous two months. Have any info on this? Contact Washington County Conservation Agent John Lowe at (573) 301-5299 or anonymously call Operation Game Thief at (800)-392-1111.
Black bears have been increasing in number in Missouri, and the MDC has opened a limited bear hunting season. Hunters enter their names in the lottery-based system, and this year, the MDC issued up to 400 permits for the taking of 40 total bears during the season, which ran Oct. 16 – 25.
Twelve bears were legally taken. But the MDC says it has concerns about this one found in Washington County.
