MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. — A black bear was hit by a motorist Friday morning in Mountain Grove. The Mountain Grove Police Department says the bear was hit on Highway 60 near Westgate Trailers. Black bears are a protected species in Missouri. Missouri’s Wildlife Code allows a black bear to be killed only with prior consent of a conservation agent if the animal is damaging property. It can be killed without permission if it is attacking a person, livestock or a domestic animal. Missouri has a black bear population of around 350, according to estimates from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Missourians are encouraged to be “Bear Aware” by making efforts to keep bears wild. Residents should ensure bird feeders are put away, trash is kept out of reach and any pet food is stored inside at night. Bears that find a source of food tend to linger in that area, which usually leads to the animal being put down if they find food on private property.
