Spring and early summer bring increased activity for Florida’s black bears, as juvenile bears begin to explore new territories. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises residents to give these bears space and avoid approaching or feeding them.
“Juvenile or yearling bears — between the ages of 1½ -2½ – disperse from their mothers’ home ranges in spring and summer,” stated Mike Orlando, Bear Management Program Coordinator at FWC. “Yearlings can sometimes temporarily find themselves in places people wouldn’t expect to see bears as they pass through in search of new areas of their own to settle down. As long as people keep their distance, these bears typically move along on their own.”
Bear sightings are more common this time of year in suburban and urban areas, including cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. While seeing a bear is not necessarily alarming, it is crucial to secure food attractants so that bears do not linger. Feeding bears can lead them to lose their natural fear of humans, which is illegal in Florida.
Though generally non-aggressive, black bears can become defensive if threatened. Dogs have been involved in over half of the incidents where people were injured by bears in Florida. It is recommended to keep dogs close when walking them and be aware of surroundings.
As bear activity increases, so does the risk of road accidents involving wildlife. Drivers are advised to slow down on rural highways at dawn or dusk and watch for bear crossing signs. Annually, an average of 300 bears are killed by vehicles in Florida.
Residents are encouraged to follow BearWise Basics to prevent conflicts with bears:
– Secure food and garbage.
– Protect gardens with electric fencing.
– Remove bird feeders or make them bear-resistant.
– Never leave pet food outdoors.
– Clean grills after use.
– Alert neighbors about bear activity.
For assistance with bear conflicts, contact the nearest FWC regional office via MyFWC.com/Contact. To report injured or threatening bears or illegal activities involving bears, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Additional information is available at MyFWC.com/Bear and BearWise.org.
