Okay, animal lovers, today let's talk about some of the wild animals in Missouri that are rarely seen. A few of them are making a comeback in the state. Spotting one of these wild animals from a distance can be a real treat. (Wouldn't it be awesome to turn on the zoom on your camera or smartphone for a few photos?) However, never get too close to any of these wild animals in Missouri.
1. Mountain Lions
Sightings of mountain lions have increased in Missouri in recent years, after being declared extinct in the early 20th century. They disappeared from Missouri, according to officials, because of trapping and over-hunting. However, experts believe that, in time, mountain lions may again become a permanent fixture in Missouri. Out of thousands of alleged sightings in the last two decades, just 97 have officially been confirmed as mountain lions by the Missouri Department of Conservation. A nocturnal animal, mountain lions tend to keep to themselves and are often confused - at least from a distance - with bobcats and sometimes even ordinary house cats.
2. Black Bears
Black bears aren't technically out-of-place in Missouri. However, the number of American black bears in Missouri is certainly increasing. In fact, the Missouri Department of Conservation is conducting a study over the next few years to pinpoint just how many black bears live among us in Missouri. Preliminary estimates put the number at between 540 and 840. The black bear population in Missouri is increasing at a rate of nine percent annually, the Missouri Department of Conservation asserts.
Want to avoid an encounter with a black bear? Don't leave dog, cat, bird, or other food that might attract black bears in your yard.
3. Bobcat
Just like with mountain lions, bobcats have been growing in numbers in Missouri in the last two or three decades. That increase is due, in part, to a lack of trapping since wearing fur has gone out of fashion. What's more, bobcats don't really have to worry about predators in Missouri. Do you have to worry about bobcats? Generally a shy animal, bobcats tend to leave people alone.
4. Gray Wolf
Gray wolves hold protected status in Missouri and other parts of the United States. A federally endangered species, gray wolves aren't often seen in Missouri. However, you might read a news story or two about a gray wolf sighting or about a gray wolf - who likely traveled from Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin - who was shot and killed because they were mistaken for a coyote or another animal.
Have you ever seen any of these wild animals in Missouri (other than in a zoo or a wildlife sanctuary)? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, if you want to see an animal you will never see in the wild in Missouri, visit the National Tiger Sanctuary.
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