What’s Going on? 

Before settlement by early Europeans, Florida black bears roamed our entire state. Today, they occupy only 49% of their original range In eight isolated areas due to habitat loss.

The Florida black bear is one of 16 subspecies of the American black bear and the only bear native to Florida.As both bear and human populations rise, it is crucial that we find ways to coexist and preserve their natural habitats. 

 

Why it Matters. 

Florida black bears now live closer to populated areas as their habitats shrink and their population grows. Around 1.3 million households now share space in Florida’s bear country, raising the chances of human-bear interactions. 

The number of bear related calls in Florida have increased nearly 700% in the past 10 years with complaints that include bear sightings in buildings, in livestock feed, in garbage or threatening animals and humans.

The Florida black bear is an important indicator species, meaning its population size and health reflect the overall quality of the ecosystem.

Conserving their habitats also benefits humans by preserving freshwater systems and providing natural defenses against flooding, erosion, and storms.

Did you know?

Black bears can detect food from more than a mile away. That is more than seven times better than a bloodhound! 

What You Can Do. 

• Practice proper waste disposal and smart home maintenance to help keep bears in their natural environments.
• Report any bear sightings to help the FWC better understand the distribution of black bears in Florida. 
• Donate to organizations like the Nature Conservancy and FWC which work to implement data-backed solutions for habitat conservation.
• Find out which Bear Management Unit (BMU) your city is in and consider joining a Bear Stakeholder Group to get involved.

 

Information From The USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC)