MDC launches new website welcoming visitors to review its research projects


Trish Boone shared this trail-camera photo of a black bear that visited her family’s farm on County Road 829 between Gainesville and Theodosia on Wednesday, June 6.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently launched a new website dedicated to the extensive scientific its research staff members do on several topics, including how it manages the state’s black bear population.
Common questions include: Where are they and where do they move around? How many bears are there in the state and is the population growing? And will they be allowed to be hunted one day?
MDC has been conducting black bear research since 2010 to help answer these and other questions about these large and mostly secretive native animals.
“One new and very exciting feature of the new MDC research website is our Missouri Black Bear Project Story Map,” said MDC furbearer biologist and black bear researcher Laura Conlee. “Our hope with this story map is to provide interesting and interactive content related to the black bear project in Missouri where people can explore maps, photos and videos about Missouri black bears and the research we are conducting.”
Explore the Missouri Black Bear Project Story Map at mdc.mo.gov/BlackBearProjectStoryMap. The site includes maps of where black bears have been spotted, information on research efforts and results, and photos and videos of black bears, including peeks inside bear dens and more.
The new MDC site also shows the research connected to how MDC manages other species including deer, eagles and elk and also the scientific research involved in setting hunting, fishing and trapping regulations.
The website also provides information on how MDC determines its forestry practices and the many benefits of trees, and how MDC is working with landowners to help increase public hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities on private land.
 Visit the new MDC website at research.mdc.mo.gov/ or go through the MDC main website at mdc.mo.gov/ and use the search box by typing “research.”
“Missouri Department of Conservation staff from various divisions all around the state conduct a wide variety of scientific research projects to help us protect and manage the fish, forests and wildlife of the state,” dsif MDC Resource Science Division chief Jason Sumners. “These science-based research efforts also help us provide many opportunities for all Missourians to use, enjoy and learn about these resources. Our new research website provides indepth information on many of these efforts for those who want to know more.”

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423