Black bears haven’t called north Missouri home since the 1840s, but at least one is visiting.

Missouri conservation agents confirmed tracks near Gallatin, Mo., are those of a juvenile bear. It could be the same bear that was spotted north of Stewartsville, Mo., Thursday morning. It appears to quickly be moving west.

Jason Braunecker, DeKalb County conservation agent, said he received a report from a resident off Grindstone Road, nearly six miles north of Stewartsville, that his dogs were barking at a bear in a tree in his yard.

It is not known where the bear came from. Missouri has a breeding population, but not north of Interstate 44, which extends from Joplin in the southwestern part of the state up to St. Louis. There also are populations in states north of Missouri, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.

A young male looking to establish a territory can cover a lot of ground, Mr. Braunecker said. A third option is that the bear could be a pet that’s gotten or was turned loose.

“There is no reason to be panicked about this bear,” Mr. Braunecker said. “Unless people pester it or don’t give it a chance to move and get out of a situation, everything should be fine.”

Bears are feeding on wild berries this time of year, but they are opportunists and, like raccoons, will feast on food left in trash cans.

Anyone who decides to shoot the bear would be breaking the law unless it is threatening someone. Mr. Braunecker advises people to call the Missouri Conservation office at (816) 271-3100 to make a report if the bear is causing a nuisance.

Jimmy Myers can be reached at jimmym@npgco.com.