Bruno, pictured above, is reported to have walked to Missouri all the way from Wisconsin, journeying through Illinois and, briefly, Iowa, possibly in search of a mate. Photo by Tim Brandenburg/TIm Brandenburg Nature Photography

For a few days now, Bruno the bear has been something of a celebrity around the world. Hundreds of people have flocked to catch a glimpse of this wandering bear who is reported to have walked to Missouri all the way from Wisconsin, journeying through Illinois and, briefly, Iowa, possibly in search of a mate. His journey has been closely followed on social media, and a Facebook page, “Keeping Bruno Safe,” now has more than 150,000 fans.

Unfortunately, Bruno has arrived in Missouri just as the state is plotting to open season on black bears like him. That means, if he stays, Bruno may have made his long journey only…