Bear with us because it’s that time of the year again. Florida’s wildlife is becoming more active since it’s springtime. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public to watch out for bears.
Black bears will leave their winter dens for food and water.
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So bear in mind that any accessible garbage, bird seed, or pet food left around your property is like “ringing a dinner bell.” Make sure those attractors are secure because you don’t want your yard to become a “convenient buffet” for these animals.
Here are some BearWise Basics (the bear necessities) you should know:
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
- Feed your pets inside if you can, and never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store your grills and smokers.
- Secure food, garbage, and recycling.
- Alert your neighbors to bear activity in the neighborhood.
If you live in bear country, click here to view an at-home checklist, and a screened-in porch or deck counts as outside to a black bear.
Although generally not aggressive, black bears have injured people in Florida.
Dogs can trigger defensive behavior from bears, especially females with cubs. When walking dogs, keep them on a short leash and stay cautious of your surroundings.
Before letting your dog outside in the yard, flip exterior lights on and off and bang on the door. That will give bears and other wildlife a chance to leave the area.
This time of year, bears cross more roadways as they become more active.
To avoid hitting bears and other wildlife, slow down when driving, specifically on rural highways at dawn or dusk.
Look for road signs identifying bear and other wildlife crossing areas. On average, 250 bears die each year after being hit by cars.
If you’re having problems with bears, you should call the FWC first.
The FWC asks you to call one of the five regional offices to speak with a biologist about your situation. Go here and click “Contact Regional Offices” to find the phone number for your region.
Contact the FWC’s wildlife alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC to report someone who is hurting bears or intentionally feeding them.
More information is available here where you can access the “Guide to Living in Bear Country” brochure.
You can also help bears and other wildlife by purchasing the Conserve Wildlife license plate at WildlifeFlorida.org.
For more information on Florida’s wildlife this season, visit here.