JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sends an annual reminder that black bears may show up in unexpected places in the springtime when bear sightings increase.
“Juvenile or yearling bears — between the ages of 1½-2½ — start dispersing in spring and summer each year,” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “The best thing people can do if they see a bear in an unexpected area is to give them plenty of space and to never approach or feed them and they will typically move along on their own.”
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During this time of year, black bear sightings increase in Jacksonville and other cities around the state.
People must secure their food in order to not attract them. If a bear is not able to find food, it will typically leave. It is illegal in Florida to intentionally leave out food or garbage to attract bears.
Generally, black bears are not aggressive, but if feeling threatened they can attack. When walking dogs, keep them close to you because they’ve been involved in half of the bear attacks.
Watch out for bears on roadways and remember to look out for bear crossing signs. In Florida, there is an average of 300 bears being killed by cars each year.
BearWise offers the following tips in order to avoid conflicts with bears:
- Secure food and garbage.
- Remove and secure bird and wildlife feeders.
- Never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity.