Florida black bear population estimated at over 4000

                The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say there are just over 4000 black bears in Florida.

The FWC this week released a population survey of black bears showing the species has rebounded to 4,030 animals.

The two-year study was conducted across more than 11 million acres of bear habitat.

The last population survey was completed in 2002 – it found about 2600 bears at that time.

The bear population is showing some healthy gains, especially if you look back to the 1970’s when there was estimated to be only 300 black bears statewide and bears were listed as a threatened species.

About 200 bears are killed in run-ins with cars every year, and as the temperatures drop bears tend to wander more looking for food making it more likely for human/bear interaction.

As black bears increase their movements this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross.

For the safety of yourself and bears, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk.

The woods provide bears with all the food they need, but as most locals know – bears will also eat food from dog bowls, garbage cans and anything else that is easy pickings. 

To minimize the chances of black bears wandering into your yard the best thing to do is remove or secure anything that might attract animals, such as garbage cans, pet food, birdseed, outdoor grills and compost bins.

If a bear continues to come into an area after all attractants have been removed then it’s time to call the FWC to trap the bear.

You can do that by calling the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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