Orlando Florida. – Black bears in Florida are most active in areas in the spring, so there may be an increase in human-bear encounters, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Bears become more active in the spring looking for things to eat, including females teaching their cubs where to find food,” said Mike Orlando, FWC bear management program coordinator.
However, there are mechanisms that can prevent a bear encounter. These include food storage in designated areas to dispose of leftover food, pet food, and bird seed around your property.
“When bears can’t find food sources, they move on,” he explained.
To avoid attracting bears to your neighborhood and help prevent conflicts, follow these six basic BearWise principles:
1: Never feed or approach bears
• Feeding bears can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans.
• It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or trash that attracts bears and causes conflict.
• Approaching a wild animal is dangerous.
2: Food and Garbage Safety
• Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage, then take it out the morning of collection instead of the day before.
• If not stored in a secure building, modify your existing trash can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container.
• Secure commercial waste in bear-proof containers.
• Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fences.
• Pluck ripe fruit from trees and shrubs and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
3: Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders
• Remove wildlife feeders.
• If wildlife feeders are left overhead, place only enough food for wildlife to finish eating before dark and make feeders bear resistant.
4: Never leave pet food out in the open
• Feed pets indoors.
• If you feed animals outside, only put the food outside for short periods and bring leftover food and dishes after each meal.
5: Clean and store the grates
• Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.
• If mobile, store in a secure shed or garage.
6: alert the neighbors so that they have activity
• If you see a bear, tell your neighbours.
• Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears.
• Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute statutes or ordinances to require waste to be stored safely.
Black bears are generally not aggressive, but they have injured people in Florida. Dogs can trigger defensive behaviors in bears, especially females with cubs.
When walking dogs, keep them close, preferably on a non-retractable leash, and be aware of your surroundings. Before letting your dog out at night, turn the lights on and off and knock on the door so bears and other wildlife have a chance to leave the area.
It is also important that you slow down when driving, as they cross roads more frequently. Each year in Florida, an average of 250 bears die after being struck by vehicles.
Do you have any conflicts with bears? Call one of FWC’s five regional offices at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
In general, spring is an active time for many Florida wildlife species.