BearWise helps people live responsibly with bears
BearWise® is the program you can trust for sound information and smart solutions that help homeowners, businesses and communities coexist with bears.
From the BearWise Article Bank
How to be BearWise
Will bears find a good winter den at your place?
The Bear Facts
Bear den locations may surprise you
BearWise in the News
“Reminder: Missouri’s bears like to go on fall strolls too (LISTEN)”
October 19, 2025 | Missourinet
Missouri
“Missouri reminds people to be BearWise about black bears this fall”
September 29, 2025 | Fox 4 News
Kansas City, MO
“People reminded to be BearWise about black bears”
September 29, 2025 | Phelps County Focus
Rolla, MO
“MDC reminds people to be BearWise about black bears”
September 29, 2025 | Missouri Department of Conservation Newsroom
“Caught on Camera: Nixa, Mo., neighborhood surprised by bear”
June 17, 2025 | KY3
Nixa, MO
“MDC reminds people to ‘Be BearWise’ to avoid conflicts with black bears”
May 3, 2025 | West Plains Daily Quill
West Plains, MO
Six At-Home BearWise Basics
Remove bird feeders when bears are active
Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears. Learn More
Clean and Store Grills, Smokers
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out. Learn More
Do you spend time outdoors
…hiking, walking, cycling, jogging, camping?
Read how to Be BearWise Outdoors.
The Black Bear Comeback
Black bears once roamed over all of America’s forested lands. But after European settlement, their numbers and habitat dwindled. Thanks to new attitudes and enlightened conservation and management efforts, black bears are making a dramatic comeback over much of their historic home range. Now that bears are returning to areas they used to call home, it’s up to people and communities to learn how to peacefully coexist with these amazing animals.
BearWise shares ways to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild.
BearWise® is a program of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. Read more About BearWise.
