If you live in Florida, you might notice some unusual traffic in your neighborhood over the coming weeks. Young black bears are striking out on their own, striking a familiar chord with anyone who has ever raised a teenager. These juvenile bears are leaving their mothers’ home ranges to find new places to settle down, which frequently lands them in suburban and urban areas across the state.
State wildlife officials stress that seeing a bear in a neighborhood is not an immediate cause for panic. The animals are usually just passing through, provided they do not find an easy meal.
“You might be surprised where you’ll find juvenile bears this time of year,” said Mike Orlando, the FWC Bear Management Program Coordinator. “Wherever you see them, give them plenty of space and don’t approach or feed them so they’re encouraged to leave the area on their own.”
To keep these young travelers moving along, the FWC emphasizes the importance of eliminating food attractants. When bears cannot find food, they naturally move on to other areas. Furthermore, property owners should know that intentionally feeding bears—or even leaving out unsecured trash and food that draws them in—is illegal under Florida law.
Wildlife experts recommend following basic BearWise® steps to secure your property:
- Never feed or approach a bear under any circumstances.
- Keep your food, garbage, and recycling bins fully secured.
- Take down bird feeders during times when bears are actively roaming.
- Never leave pet food outside on porches or in the yard.
- Thoroughly clean and store your outdoor grills and smokers after use.
- Let your neighbors know if you spot bear activity in the immediate area.
Pet safety is another major area of concern during this active season. While black bears are not generally aggressive animals, they can become highly defensive if they feel cornered or threatened. Data shows that dogs have been involved in more than half of all incidents where people were injured by bears in Florida.
When walking dogs, owners should keep them close and use a non-retractable leash while staying hyper-aware of the surroundings. Before letting a dog out into a dark yard at night, officials suggest flipping the outdoor lights on and off and banging loudly on the door. This simple routine gives bears or other hidden wildlife a fair warning and a chance to clear out before a confrontation happens.
Roadways also become significantly more dangerous during this time of year. Because bears are moving around more frequently, they end up crossing busy streets. Drivers can protect themselves and the wildlife by slowing down, especially on rural highways during dawn and dusk hours when visibility is low. Keeping an eye out for official bear crossing signs is highly recommended. On average, vehicle collisions kill around 300 bears every year in Florida.
Florida is one of 45 states that actively supports BearWise®, an initiative designed to help human communities coexist responsibly with bear populations. Residents who want to support these conservation efforts can also purchase a specialized Conserve Wildlife license plate online at WildlifeFlorida.org/CWT.
If you are dealing with ongoing bear conflicts on your property, you can contact the closest FWC regional office by finding their phone directory at MyFWC.com/Contact. For situations involving injured, orphaned, or dead bears, or to report illegal feeding and harassment, residents should call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. For additional resources and safety brochures, you can visit MyFWC.com/Bear or BearWise.org.
READ: From Tortoises To Bears: How A Free July Workshop Aims To Protect Bay County’s Native Species
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