Bear sights abound as residents search out new activities during pandemic

Bears are invading Poplar Bluff and the surrounding area. Reportedly friendly, the creatures may remind you of a grizzly, black, brown, polar or the cuddly teddy bear.

They are being spotted in windows, doorways, vehicles and on signs by families who are using the bear hunt as a safe way to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents are taking outings in the family car or just a walk in area neighborhoods.

A bear hangs inside Poplar Bluff Fire Department's Station No. 1 Wednesday afternoon.DAR/Paul Davis

Christi Shipman Todd of Poplar Bluff got the idea for having a bear hunt from a childhood friend, Rachele Morgan, who lives in Dyersburg, Tennessee. Morgan’s “neighborhood started it and she said ‘you need to start it,’” Todd said.

Todd is the library aide at Oak Grove Elementary School.

“I put it on Facebook and didn’t get much response. The next day I did a Facebook page for it and within 24 hours I had over 100 members and now it has close to 900 members,” she said.

Adlee Fears, daughter of Adam and Jenny Fears, is pictured with one of the bears she has had in her window.Photo provided

The original idea comes from “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt,” an animated story cartoon version of the classic Bear Hunt children’s story book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

Todd said, “My kids thought I was crazy,” but the idea has taken off.

Todd said, she has “big kids but I did make my youngest go with me. He’s almost 14. Haha.”

Christi Todd checks on a bear peeking out of her window. Todd started the local bear hunt.Photo provided

Her sons are Christian, 18, and Caden, who is almost 14.

“I think it has gotten such good response because you can do it without leaving your neighborhood or car and with just your family,” Todd said. “It is a fun activity for the entire family. I think so many people have gotten involved because it’s a great social distancing activity.

“All the comments I have heard have been positive. I’ve received several messages from people thanking me for doing it; the FedEx truck drivers for sure. I also love how businesses have put bears on their digital signs.”

The bear sightings also captured the attention of Poplar Bluff children’s librarian Belinda Birrer. The local library is closed, but the staff put a photo of a bear on the door.

“Families are stuck inside” Birrer said. “They are going stir crazy” and this gives them something to do.

The bears may be frightened away soon by the Easter Bunny.

Todd said, “So, April 1 we began changing to the Easter items like crosses, rabbits, eggs, anything Easter.”

Individuals may leave the bears and add the Easter items or just feature Easter.

Happy hunting, Todd said.

Bears can be found in the windows of various businesses throughout town. Downtown they are on Poplar and Vine streets, and at the Butler County Courthouse, as well as along Westwood Boulevard, Oak Grove Road, Katy Lane, South Wind Drive and at least two of the Poplar Bluff fire stations.

Todd stresses, everyone needs to continue staying in, and when they do leave home, practice social distancing. Don’t take children to the store, she said.

Bears also have been seen in Malden, Kennett, Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Bonne Terre.