During this time of year, you might notice more black bear activity around the area

During this time of year, you might notice more black bear activity around the area.

 

This is the time of year that Florida’s black bears really start eating in preparation for winter.

 

Black bears start consuming more calories in the fall to store up fat reserves for the winter and will eat just about anything from berries, nuts, and fruit to insects.

 

But since they are trying to fatten up, they’d rather have high calorie meals like your dog’s food or just about anything in your trash.

 

An adult bear needs to consume approximately 20,000 calories a day during the fall.

 

That means there is a much higher chance that a bear might be visiting your yard over the next few months.

 

You can minimize the chances of bears stopping at your house if you take a few simple steps like feeding your animals in a closed off area and not leaving dog food outside.

 

Bear proof trash cans are also available from local garbage companies, but if you don’t want to pay the extra cost you just need to keep your trash can in the garage or some other spot that bears can’t reach.

 

And there are always a few people who think it’s fun to actively feed bears, but in the long run that bad for the bear.

 

Bears are naturally shy, but if they lose their fear of humans the state will have to step in and either relocate the bear or in some cases euthanize it.

 

And it can be bad for the person doing the feeding because its illegal in Florida to leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause human-bear conflicts.

 

And remember if you have a nuisance bear or suspect that someone is feeding or attracting bears, please call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.

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