The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued its annual reminder that juvenile black bears may be seen in unexpected areas as they leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new locations to settle. Spring marks an increase in bear activity after limited movements during winter.
“Juvenile or yearling bears – between the ages of 1½ -2½ – start dispersing in spring and summer each year,” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “The best thing people can do if they see a bear in an unexpected area is to give them plenty of space and to never approach or feed them and they will typically move along on their own.”
Black bear sightings are increasing in suburban and urban areas, including cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Seeing a bear in a neighborhood is not necessarily cause for alarm, but it is important to secure food attractants so that bears do not linger. Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people, which is also illegal in Florida.
Black bears are not generally aggressive but can become defensive if threatened. Dogs have been involved in over half of the incidents where people were injured by bears in Florida. When walking dogs, keep them close on a non-retractable leash and be aware of your surroundings. Before letting dogs out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give wildlife a chance to leave.
As bears become more active this time of year, they cross more roadways. To avoid hitting bears and other wildlife, slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas; an average of 300 bears are killed annually by vehicles in Florida.
To help prevent conflicts with bears:
– Secure food and garbage by storing it in a sturdy shed or garage until pickup morning.
– Use bear-resistant containers or modify existing garbage cans.
– Protect gardens, beehives, compost, and livestock with electric fencing.
– Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes promptly.
– Remove or secure bird feeders.
– Never leave pet food outdoors.
– Clean grills after each use and store them securely.
Alert neighbors to bear activity by sharing tips on avoiding conflicts with bears. Encourage homeowner associations or local governments to require secure trash storage.
For assistance with bear conflicts, contact the nearest FWC regional office via MyFWC.com/Contact. Report injured, orphaned, dead bears or illegal feeding/harming of bears through the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
More information is available at MyFWC.com/Bear. The BearWise® program offers additional ways to responsibly live around bears at BearWise.org.
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