Black Bear Sighting in Butte Neighborhood Prompts Safety Warnings
Montana Fish and Game wardens are investigating sightings of a black bear sow and her two cubs in a Butte neighborhood early Tuesday morning. The bears have been spotted feeding on garbage cans and were last seen near West Elementary School and Steel Street. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animals as the situation is managed by game officials and local law enforcement.
The Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester has issued a caution to residents to use extreme care and avoid the bears, emphasizing the need for safety. The incident is being handled with the assistance of Fish and Game officials, who have set up baited traps to capture and relocate the bears away from the city.
In a related situation, the Mississippi County Sheriff's Office has confirmed a black bear sighting north of Charleston, Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has advised residents to be 'bear aware' and remove attractants like bird feeders, trash, and pet food to prevent conflicts. MDC Black Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock warned against intentionally feeding bears as it can lead to dangerous situations and property damage.
These incidents underscore the importance of managing bear attractants and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. Both the Montana and Missouri authorities continue to monitor the situations closely and have provided guidelines to the public to minimize risks and avoid interactions with the bears.
