Be Aware of Bears When Camping or Hiking in Missouri
When is the last time you saw a bear? No, I don t mean Yogi Bear on a Saturday morning cartoon. A real, breathing live bear? If you re camping in Missouri your chances of seeing one are getting greater.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri’s growing population of about 800 black bears have left their winter dens with some wandering great distances in search of food, territory, and mates. So the MDC is reminding everyone Be Bear Aware.
Black bears is the only type of bears you ll see in Missouri but sometimes their coats are brown, cinnamon, and red. If you re out camping or hiking through wooded areas, your chances of coming upon black bears are greater south of the Missouri river and even better south of the I-44 corridor.
Did You Know May 7 is a Statewide Holiday in Missouri?
If May 7 isn t marked on your calendar, you may want to do so. Especially if you work for the state of Missouri..
May 7 is recognized as Truman Day. It s in honor of the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, who is the only U.S president to have come from Missouri.
Usually the day is celebrated on May 8 but since the 8th falls on a Saturday, this year the statewide holiday moves back a day to Friday, May 7. (A three-day weekend.even better!)
So what s even better than a day off.a paid day off. Truman Day is paid holiday for state employees. Along with state offices being closed on May 7, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone that all its nature centers, education centers, staffed shooting ranges, offices, and other staffed facilities will be closed.