Bear sightings continue to grow throughout mid-Missouri. Add Columbia to the “local” bear habitat. Two black bear sightings were recorded in south Columbia late Thursday night.
The first was a large bear reported on Bethel Street near Nifong Boulevard.
The second sighting was later in the evening outside Planet Fitness at Providence Road and Nifong Boulevard.
Black bears currently number around 1200 in Missouri and the population continues to grow and as it does, continues to trek northward.