KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The fall and winter seasons are around the corner, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding Missourians to beware of black bears.

According to MDC, more than 1,000 black bears are focused on fattening up before the cold winter and can spend up to 20 hours a day looking for food. This can lead to bears conflicting with people, pets and property.

MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock said it is important that people remove things that could draw bears to their homes, like bird feeders, trash, grills, pet food and food waste.

"Black bears are super-focused on finding food in the fall," Bowersock said.

"The quest for calories keeps bears active and foraging up to 20 hours a day. When the eating is good, a bear can put on two to three pounds a day.

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