The Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) is a native subspecies of the American black bear found in Florida, southern Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It is the state’s biggest terrestrial animal, with adult males weighing between 250 and 450 pounds.
A Long History in Florida
Florida black bears have inhabited the state for thousands of years, predating European settlement. Historically, these bears roamed nearly the entire Florida mainland, including some upper Florida Keys. Before European settlers arrived, the population was estimated at 11,000 individuals.
The population experienced a severe reduction during the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to unregulated hunting and extensive habitat loss. By the 1970s, the statewide population had dwindled to an estimated 300 to 500 bears. This decline led to the Florida black bear being designated as a state-threatened species in 1974.
Where Florida Black Bears Live Today
The Florida black bear’s range has expanded to occupy 45% to 51% of its historical territory. They inhabit a variety of forested environments, including sand-pine scrub, oak scrub, upland hardwood forests, forested wetlands, swamps, and flatwoods. These habitats provide food, water, and shelter, though increased human development has led to habitat fragmentation.
The current population is estimated at 4,000 to 4,050 bears, a recovery from their historical lows. This population is divided into seven distinct subpopulations, each managed within its own Bear Management Unit (BMU). Major populations are found in areas such as the Ocala National Forest, which hosts over 1,200 bears, and the Apalachicola National Forest and Big Cypress National Preserve, each supporting up to 1,000 bears.
Conservation and Coexistence Efforts
The Florida black bear was reclassified as a “recovered” species and removed from the state’s threatened list in 2012, following decades of dedicated conservation efforts. Despite this reclassification, the species remains protected under state law, with ongoing monitoring and management. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) implemented the Florida Black Bear Management Plan in 2012, with an updated version approved in 2019, to ensure the species’ long-term survival.
Conservation strategies involve protecting and restoring bear habitats, alongside efforts to reduce human-bear interactions. Public education initiatives encourage residents to secure attractants like garbage in bear-resistant containers, preventing bears from associating human areas with food. Wildlife crossings and underpasses have been implemented to mitigate vehicle-related mortalities, a significant threat to bear populations.