STE. GENEVIEVE — Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Rob Sulkowski confirmed Monday, reports of a deceased bear in Ste. Genevieve County.
Sulkowski says the bear was discovered roadside on Route B Friday in the Staabtown area. He believes it to the same one which was reported Thursday in the Ozora area near Route M.
He said the bear was apparently struck by a vehicle. The driver did not report the incident.
Sulkowski said the bear weighs 140-150 pounds, and is fairly representative of the young males who are forced to leave its family by its mother. The bears then head north. Sulkowski estimated that there are breeding females in several counties in Missouri, most notably Reynolds, Iron, Madison and others. In all, he estimated 800-1,000 bears are residing in Missouri.
The bear found Friday is the first deceased bear in Ste. Genevieve County.