The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding Floridians to stay BearWise® as juvenile black bears become more active across the state while leaving their mothers’ home ranges in search of new territory. Wildlife officials say young bears may be seen in neighborhoods and suburban areas this time of year as they search for places to establish their own home ranges.
The FWC advises residents never to approach or feed bears and to remove anything that could attract them, including unsecured garbage, pet food, bird feeders, and dirty grills. Officials say bears that do not find food are typically encouraged to move on naturally.
The agency’s 2020 bear distribution map suggests much of eastern Polk County falls within frequent and common bear occurrence areas, while other portions of the county are classified as occasional. The FWC notes that bears can be found nearly anywhere in Florida, but they are more likely to be encountered in areas identified as frequent or common bear habitat.
Pet owners are urged to keep dogs on a non-retractable leash and make noise before letting pets outside at night, as dogs have been involved in more than half of Florida’s bear-related injury incidents. Drivers should also remain alert, especially on rural roads at dawn and dusk, as an average of 300 bears are killed in vehicle collisions each year.
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
