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Bear spotted inside Mountain Grove city limits

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There was a rare black bear citing within the city limits of Mountain Grove the early evening of Wednesday, June 16.

Video of the sighting, shot on Facebook at the listing, “Tina Michael Osborn,” went viral.

The video is located at  https://www.facebook.com/.../pcb.../4448284088517812

The bear was also reportedly spotted arond 9:15 p.m. in the area of Darrell St. and the Mountain Grove Middle School. No final destination was ever reported.

Soon after the spotting went viral, the City of Mountain Grove’s Animal Control provided residents with important information regarding how to prevent the bear from coming to their location.

Their Facebook page noted, “As Missouri’s bear population increases so will the chances of seeing bears inside the city limits.” The list of things to remember if seeing a bear they shared were:

• Do not interact with or follow the bear

• Do not feed the bear

• Keep all trash placed in dumpsters, and when possible, lock your dumpster or keep it inside a garage or out building

• Call 911 and report bear sightings inside the city limits

“It is imperative that we are aware of bears that are inside the City and that we are able to ensure that the bear moves along without incident to our citizens and their property,” the Animal Control post went on to say. “It will never be the intent of any agency to kill a bear. We would rather ensure that they leave the area peacefully and without harm to the bear or anyone else.

The Missouri Department of Revenue also has some tips on their website when coming into close contact with a bear.

• Never feed a bear! Feeding bears makes them lose their natural fear of humans, and teaches them to see humans as food providers. They will learn to go to places like homes, campsites and neighborhoods to look for food, instead of staying in the forest. A bear that has gotten used to getting food from humans may become aggressive and dangerous. When this happens, the bear has to be destroyed.

• Help bears stay wild and healthy and keep yourself and your neighbors safe. Don’t feed bears.

• Stay alert and avoid confrontation

• Make noise so you don’t surprise a bear – clap, sing or talk loudly. Travel in a group if possible.

• Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for bear sign such as tracks or claw or bite marks on trees.

• Keep dogs leashed.

• If you see a bear, leave it alone! Do not approach it. Make sure it has an escape route.

• If you encounter a bear

• Never corner a bear — make sure it has an escape route. Back away slowly with your arms raised.

• Speak in a calm, loud voice.

• Do not turn your back to the bear. Walk away slowly — Do not run.