Visit Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida, the Everglades

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

As spring unfolds its vibrant colors, it also brings about increased activity in Florida’s wildlife, particularly our beloved black bears.

With their emergence, it’s essential to stay BearWise® to prevent conflicts between humans and these majestic creatures.

Spring Alert Black Bears Roaming Graphic

BearWise® Tips for Spring

As black bears venture out in search of food, here are some friendly reminders to keep interactions with them positive and safe:

  • Respect Their Space: Never feed or approach bears. It’s illegal and can lead to dangerous situations. Let them roam freely without human interference.

  • Secure Your Property: Remove potential food sources like unsecured garbage, pet food, and bird feeders from your yard. Store garbage in bear-resistant containers and secure compost, gardens, and beehives with electric fencing.

  • Stay Informed: Be aware of bear activity in your neighborhood and share sightings with neighbors. Spread awareness about BearWise® practices to help create a bear-friendly community.

  • Dog Safety: Keep your dogs on a short leash and close by when walking outdoors, especially in bear-prone areas. Make noise before letting them out in the yard to give bears a chance to retreat.

  • Drive Cautiously: Bears are more active on roadways during spring. Reduce your speed, particularly during dawn and dusk, and watch for wildlife crossing signs to avoid collisions.

In Case of Conflict

If you encounter bear conflicts or witness someone harming or feeding bears, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance. They’re here to help ensure the safety of both humans and bears.

Let’s make this spring a safe and enjoyable season for all, including our furry friends. For more BearWise® tips and information, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and BearWise.org.

Together, we can coexist harmoniously with Florida’s wildlife!

Spring Alert Black Bears Roaming Bear Cub
2024-04-09T11:45:11-04:00April 26, 2024|Wildlife|

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