ST. LOUIS – There have been many recent sightings of a small black cub roaming around St. Louis County. With this, it serves as a reminder of what action to take if you see the bear or find yourself near it.

One of the most important tips from the Missouri Department of Conservation is to never feed a bear. When a bear receives food from a person, they may lose their fear of humans and begin to seek them out, whether that be at a campsite, home, or neighborhood.

If a bear becomes accustomed to food from humans, they may display dangerously aggressive behavior. The MDC says that a bear must be put down when it reaches this level.

When in an area with bears possibly roaming around, it’s best to be in a group if possible. It is recommended to make some kind of noise—talk loudly, sing, or clap—so a bear is not surprised by your appearance. Pay attention to any kind of claw marks on the ground or along the trees.

In the event you do spot a bear nearby, do not approach it. The first step is to ensure there is an escape route for the animal and that you, along with anyone else, are not cornering it.

You should never run if you see a bear. Instead, raise your arms and back away slowly while still facing the bear, as well as speaking in a loud, but calm, voice. You should not turn your back to the bear.

When you’re camping, it is important to keep your site clean and properly store all of your items. This includes food, toiletries, garbage, and anything that carries an odor, as scents of any sorts can attract bears.

One way to ensure this is by stringing garbage high above the ground between two trees or by storing other scented items in your car. It is recommended to keep grills and smokers clean and to leave behind any birdfeeder.

If you live in an area that is also home to black bears, you can contact a local conservation agent from the Missouri Department of Conservation to help make your property unwelcome to these guests.