Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Advises on Coexisting with Active Black Bears
As the weather warms up in Florida, black bears are becoming more active, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to issue guidelines for safe coexistence. The FWC estimates there are around 4,000 black bears in the state, with sightings reported in various regions, including urban areas like Orlando and Gainesville. Michael Orlando, the FWC Bear Management Program Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of respecting these wild animals and avoiding actions that could attract them, such as leaving unsecured food or trash outdoors. The FWC advises residents to feed pets indoors, clean grills, and remove bird feeders to prevent bears from becoming accustomed to human food sources. The commission also highlights the rarity of bear attacks, noting only 44 documented incidents since the 1970s, with the first fatal attack occurring last year. 
