Florida Black Bears (Ursus americanus floridanus) are present in and around Orlando. As urban areas expand into their traditional habitats, bears increasingly encounter human development.
Understanding Bear Presence in Orlando
Florida Black Bears, the state’s only bear species, inhabit forested wetlands, swamps, and flatwoods. Habitat reduction and fragmentation due to urban development in Central Florida lead to increased encounters with humans. Bears are frequently sighted in suburban neighborhoods, particularly those bordering natural corridors or green spaces. Young, dispersing bears (1.5-2.5 years old) often appear in unexpected areas during spring and summer while searching for new territories. Their excellent sense of smell, capable of detecting odors from a mile away, often draws them to human food sources.
Safe Practices During Bear Encounters
If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Never approach, maintaining at least 100 yards (300 feet) of distance. If closer, stand upright and speak to it calmly and assertively. Slowly back away toward a secure location, ensuring the bear has a clear escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as aggressive behavior.
Do not run from a bear; this can trigger a chase instinct, and black bears can sprint up to 35 mph. Never play dead. Never feed bears, as this causes them to lose their natural wariness and can lead to dangerous situations.
If a bear enters your yard, try to scare it away from a safe distance by yelling, clapping, or banging pots and pans. Keep pets on a leash and bring them indoors if a bear is nearby, as dogs are involved in over half of bear-related injuries in Florida. If a bear threatens human safety, pets, livestock, or causes property damage, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922.
Preventing Future Encounters
Proactive measures significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting bears to your property. Secure all garbage in sturdy sheds, garages, or bear-resistant containers, placing trash out on pickup morning, not the night before. Remove outdoor pet food and water bowls. Clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use and store them securely.
Avoid leaving out birdseed or other wildlife feeders, which attract bears. If using feeders, provide only enough food for wildlife to consume before dark. Picking up fallen fruit from trees also eliminates potential bear attractants. These steps help keep bears wild and minimize human-wildlife conflicts.