PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — Members of the Pike County community are placing teddy bears or photos of bears in their windows, on their porches and even on top of their mailboxes.

The social distancing activity began the week of March 23, the first full week of quarantine procedures in the area.

Based on the popular children's book, "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt"  by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this activity is meant for children of all ages. The book encourages children to go on a walk or a car ride with their family and hunt for bears. Many people have chosen to count the number of bears they see on their walk or cruise, while others follow a bingo card. The cards change weekly, prompting participants to search for a specific bear such as a “panda” or an “orange bear.”

"Going on a Bear Hunt in Pike County, Missouri" is the name of the Facebook group started by founder of the local event, Carla Morton of Bowling Green. Bears can be easily located as a running address list of all participants is updated daily on the group Facebook page. The group is updated regularly with photos and posts involving any changes to the hunt or praise of the newly found quarantine fun.

The hunt is expected to be around for the remainder of social distancing practices although if “shelter in place” is enforced, the Bear Hunt group will be “hidden” for community safety purposes. Members of the community are encouraged to leave their bears on display if Shelter in Place is enforced, but are asked to not participate in the hunt.

Those interested in participating in the bear hunt should follow the "Going on a Bear Hunt in Pike County, Missouri" Facebook group to learn more about the social distancing event. Posting updates of new bear locations and photos of findings on the hunt are encouraged. 

– KJFM story and photo by Madison Ingram