Florida Black Bears On The Move In Spring

Spring has arrived in Florida, bringing with it a surge of wildlife activity as black bears emerge from their winter dens. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is calling on residents to adopt practices to coexist safely with these animals as they begin their search for food and water in March.

Black bears are notorious for seizing any easy meal opportunity. Unsecured garbage, bird seed, or pet food left around homes can act like a magnet for hungry bears, drawing them into neighborhoods. The FWC stresses the importance of locking up these attractants to discourage bears from sticking around and to prevent mother bears from training their cubs to see yards as reliable food sources.

To help Floridians navigate bear season, the FWC highlights key tips:

Feeding or approaching bears is a no-go, as it can make them too comfortable around humans.

Bird feeders should come down when bears are active, and pet owners are urged to bring feeding indoors, ensuring no pet food lingers outside.

Grills and smokers need to be scrubbed clean and stowed away, while food, garbage, and recycling should be kept out of reach.

Sharing news of bear sightings with neighbors can also bolster community awareness.

Though black bears typically shy away from confrontation, they’ve been known to injure people in Florida. Dogs can set off protective instincts in bears—especially females guarding cubs—so the FWC advises keeping pups on short leashes during walks and staying alert. Before letting dogs loose in the yard, residents should flick exterior lights on and off and make some noise at the door to shoo away any lingering bears or wildlife.

With bears on the move, roadways pose another hazard. The FWC urges drivers to ease off the gas, particularly on rural highways during dawn and dusk, and to keep an eye out for signs marking bear crossing zones. Each year, vehicle collisions claim an average of 250 bears statewide.

For those facing bear troubles, residents can visit MyFWC.com/Contact under “Contact Regional Offices.”

To report anyone harming bears or deliberately feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

More insights on living alongside black bears can be found at MyFWC.com/Bear.