Florida is home to a distinct subspecies of the American black bear, the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus). This animal is a symbol of Florida’s natural heritage, and its population has rebounded significantly after decades of conservation effort. Understanding the bear’s biology and range is the first step toward successful coexistence. This article provides information on the species and practical guidance for safely sharing the Florida landscape with these large mammals.
The Florida Black Bear: Species and Range
The Florida black bear is one of 16 recognized subspecies of the American black bear, distinguishable by its typically glossy black coat and brownish muzzle. Males are significantly larger, averaging between 250 and 450 pounds, while females typically weigh between 125 and 250 pounds. Conservation efforts helped the population recover to an estimated 4,000 individuals statewide after the subspecies was once listed as “Threatened.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages this species, which was officially removed from the state’s list of threatened species in 2012. Bears are found across Florida, though their range is now fragmented into seven distinct subpopulations, occupying about 45% of their historic territory. Major populations are concentrated in protected areas such as the Ocala National Forest, the Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Osceola National Forest.
These bears thrive in a variety of habitats, including forested wetlands, swamps, and scrub oak ridges, provided the area offers a seasonal supply of food and dense cover for denning. Habitat fragmentation, primarily caused by human development, remains a challenge, often leading bears to cross roads and enter residential areas as they search for food. Their strong sense of smell, capable of detecting odors from over a mile away, drives them to seek out easy calorie sources.
Preventing Conflict: Securing Attractants
Preventing conflicts with Florida black bears centers entirely on removing food sources, which are the main reason bears enter human-populated areas. Bears are opportunistic eaters and are driven by the need to consume large amounts of calories, especially during the fall when they may eat up to 20,000 calories per day to build fat reserves. Intentionally feeding bears or leaving out attractants that cause conflicts is illegal in Florida.
The primary attractant is unsecured household garbage, which provides a high-calorie, easily accessible meal. Residents should store trash in a secure garage, shed, or use a certified bear-resistant container. Garbage should only be placed at the curb on the morning of collection, never the night before, to minimize the time it is available to wildlife.
Other common household attractants also require securing, including pet food and bird seed. Pet food should always be fed indoors, or if fed outside, any leftovers and dishes must be brought in immediately after the pet finishes eating. Bird feeders should either be removed entirely or only contain enough seed to be consumed before dark, as bears will readily seek out the high-energy seeds.
Outdoor cooking equipment must also be managed carefully because residual grease and food particles attract bears. Grills and smokers should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased after every use. If the grill is mobile, storing it in a locked garage or shed adds another layer of security against a hungry bear. Furthermore, ripe fruit falling from trees should be picked up promptly, and compost piles should be protected with electric fencing.
Bears that become “food-conditioned” by repeatedly finding human food sources lose their natural fear of people, leading to habituation and increased conflict. If a bear is seen in a neighborhood, sharing this information with neighbors encourages community-wide efforts to secure attractants, which is the most effective way to encourage the bear to move on to natural food sources.
What to Do During a Bear Encounter
If you encounter a Florida black bear, the most important rule is to remain calm and never run, as running can trigger a chase instinct in the animal. Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour and are excellent climbers, so attempting to outrun or climb a tree is not a viable safety strategy. Instead, stand your ground and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice to announce your presence.
Avoid making direct eye contact, which some animals may interpret as an aggressive or challenging behavior. Slowly back away from the bear, ensuring that you leave it a clear escape route in case it wants to move away. If the bear clacks its teeth, stomps the ground, or makes a bluff charge, these are typically warning signs that it feels threatened and wants space, not indications of an imminent attack.
If a bear enters your yard, you can attempt to scare it away from a safe location, such as from inside a secured house or vehicle. Making loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans, or using an air horn can effectively deter the bear and reinforce its natural fear of humans. Never approach a bear, especially a female with cubs, as mother bears are highly defensive of their young.
If a bear attacks, which is extremely rare for black bears, you should fight back aggressively with any available object, such as rocks or sticks. For any bear that is threatening the safety of people or pets, or causing significant property damage, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Reports of intentionally feeding bears or harming them should be directed to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline.