The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Monday, June 10, 2013  While black bears are native to Missouri, they were almost eliminated from the state in the 1800s. The department says some bears returned to southern Missouri after a re-introduction in Arkansas that began in the 1950s.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013  Conservation officials said the number of bear sightings has increased in recent year. The bear population is estimated to be between 300 and 500 bears.

Monday, April 22, 2013  Your child could learn that, plus other historic prairie skills, at the 7th annual Camp F.I.R.E.

Saturday, April 13, 2013  It's a state and federal offense to shoot a bald eagle.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013  DNA test results revealed that the 81-pound canine a bow hunter shot in Howard County last fall was a gray wolf from the Great Lakes area.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013  Cass County sheriff's deputies have found a burned body inside a partially submerged vehicle in a conservation area southwest of Harrisonville.

Thursday, March 14, 2013  Increased global demand for caviar is impacting paddlefish populations in Missouri.

Tuesday, March 05, 2013  As long as the broken branch doesn't pose a risk, wait until the snow melts

Thursday, December 13, 2012  Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich says his office is starting a new review of the state Department of Conservation.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012  However, this season's deer harvest is still expected to be good

Saturday, November 03, 2012  It could take up to six months before conservation agents figure out what a Missouri hunter shot when the thought he was bagging an unusually large coyote.

Monday, October 01, 2012  State conservation officials have released thousands of hatchery-raised lake sturgeon into three central Missouri rivers.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012  The Missouri Conservation Department says it has been getting reports of hundreds of dead deer around the state.

Monday, September 03, 2012  Campfires once again will be allowed at Missouri conservation areas

Thursday, August 16, 2012  The event is at Roaring River State Park