Yes, black bears are a thriving part of Florida’s natural environment. They represent the largest terrestrial mammal in Florida, and the subspecies found here is the Ursus americanus floridanus. Following decades of conservation efforts, the population has successfully recovered from historic lows in the mid-20th century. Current population estimates indicate a robust and growing number of bears statewide, necessitating clear guidelines for residents and visitors to safely share the landscape.
Current Distribution and Habitat
The Florida black bear population is now distributed across roughly 51% of the state. The core populations are concentrated in large, protected forested areas, including the Ocala National Forest in the central peninsula and the Apalachicola National Forest in the Panhandle. These bears rely on large tracts of scrub oak ridges, mixed woodlands, and forested wetlands for food and cover.
State wildlife agencies manage these populations through designated Bear Management Units (BMUs), which help track distribution and density across different regions. Their range continues to expand into common and occasional occurrence zones. This expansion is driven by the successful population recovery and the increasing fragmentation of their habitat by development.
Consequently, bears are increasingly moving into suburban and urban fringe areas as they seek connections between shrinking forest patches, particularly in central and north Florida, as the boundaries between human and bear territory blur. Their movements follow natural habitat corridors and, unfortunately, the paths of least resistance to easily accessible food sources.
Understanding Florida Black Bear Ecology
The Florida black bear is large, with adult males typically weighing between 250 and 450 pounds, while females range from 125 to 250 pounds. These animals are omnivorous, with their diet consisting predominantly of plant matter, making up about 73% of their intake. Their natural food sources include acorns, saw palmetto berries, and various other seasonal fruits, supplemented by colonial insects like ants and termites, which account for about 22% of their diet.
A bear’s movement into human-dominated areas is motivated by the powerful scent of food, particularly during the fall period of hyperphagia. During this time, bears must consume up to 20,000 calories daily to prepare for the lean winter months. If natural food sources are scarce due to seasonal conditions, the high-calorie attractants found in residential garbage and pet food become irresistible alternatives.
Females give birth to an average of two to three cubs in a den during winter. The cubs will remain with their mother for 15 to 17 months before they disperse. This extended family period means that mother bears often lead their offspring close to human areas if they have previously found reliable food there.
Strategies for Coexistence and Conflict Prevention
Minimizing encounters with black bears centers on eliminating access to all human-supplied food attractants. The primary source of conflict is unsecured garbage, which provides an easy, high-calorie reward that habituates bears to human areas. Residents must secure all household trash in a sturdy shed, closed garage, or certified bear-resistant container, placing it out only on the morning of collection.
Securing Other Attractants
Beyond garbage, all other outdoor food sources must be removed or secured to prevent attracting bears.
- Pet food should never be left outside overnight.
- Bird feeders should be taken down if bear activity is observed, or hung at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from any supporting structure.
- Outdoor grills and smokers must be cleaned immediately after use with a degreasing agent and stored in a secure location, as lingering food odors are powerful attractants.
Responding to Bear Sightings
If a person sights a bear in a yard or neighborhood, never run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, remain calm, speak in an assertive voice to let the bear know a human is present, and slowly back away to a secure location like a vehicle or inside a home.
Hazing
Residents can attempt to scare the bear off with loud noises, such as yelling, banging pots, or using a car horn. This process, often referred to as “hazing,” helps maintain the bear’s fear of people and their homes. Never intentionally feed a bear or approach it for a photograph.
Reporting Conflicts
Human-bear conflicts should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC uses these reports to manage the bear population, track problem areas, and provide assistance to communities interested in becoming “BearWise” to promote long-term coexistence.