Bears are present in the Florida Everglades, an expansive subtropical wetland ecosystem. This vast region of South Florida provides a home for a native population of bears. They are the largest land mammal found in the state and require large, uninterrupted tracts of land to thrive, making their presence an indicator of the ecosystem’s health.
The Florida Black Bear
The species inhabiting the Everglades is the Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), a distinct subspecies of the American Black Bear. These bears typically have a coat of black fur, often complemented by a brown muzzle. About 30% of the population may display a white patch of fur, or “blaze,” on their chest.
Adult males average between 250 and 450 pounds, while females generally weigh less, ranging from 125 to 250 pounds. Historically, this subspecies ranged across nearly all of Florida, but habitat loss drastically reduced their numbers. Conservation efforts have been successful, leading to a recovery that now sees them occupying stable populations, with the Everglades area being a major stronghold.
Distribution within the Everglades
The bears are not distributed uniformly across the Everglades system, as they favor drier, more sheltered environments. Their population density is highest in the western portion of the region, particularly within the Big Cypress National Preserve. This area offers extensive forests and swamps that provide necessary cover and food sources.
Preferred habitats include cypress swamps, upland pine rocklands, and elevated dry land features known as “hammocks.” These areas offer dense canopy cover for shelter and reliable denning sites above seasonal floodwaters. The bears tend to avoid the open sawgrass marsh, which provides little protection or elevated ground for resting.
Adapting to the Swamp Environment
The Florida Black Bear has developed unique behaviors to manage life in this hot, humid, and often-flooded subtropical landscape. Their diet is highly adapted to the local ecology, relying heavily on plant matter and insects rather than large mammal prey. In the Everglades, their food intake is about 73% plants and 22% insects, with a small portion consisting of animal matter like carrion or reptile eggs.
Seasonal foods such as saw palmetto berries and sabal palm fruits form the bulk of their intake. They manage the heat and humidity of the summer months by being excellent swimmers and utilizing dense, shady cover. Unlike bears in colder climates, they do not undergo true hibernation but experience a period of torpor, or reduced activity, usually timed with the winter months.
Preventing Human Bear Conflicts
Coexisting with these animals requires awareness from both residents and visitors to the Everglades region. The most common cause of negative encounters is the easy availability of human-provided food sources. It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or to leave out food or garbage that attracts them.
Securing all potential attractants is the primary preventive measure. This includes storing garbage in bear-resistant containers or a secured garage until the morning of pickup. Grills should be cleaned of grease and stored away, and pet food should never be left outdoors. If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm, avoid running, and make noise to signal your presence and encourage the bear to leave.