Florida Wildlife Has Tips On What To Do If A Bear Shows Up In Your Yard Or Neighborhood

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — As fall nears Florida black bears are venturing into neighborhoods in search of trash as they bulk up for winter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The agency reminds residents to secure garbage and other items that could attract bears to a neighborhood or yard. Each fall, bears begin eating more calories to pack on fat they will need during the winter. In the fall, bears require about 20,000 calories per day and will eat anything that’s convenient.

To keep bears wild and away from your home, follow these BearWise tips provided by the commission:

• Secure household garbage in a sturdy shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container.
• Put household garbage out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
• Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
• Protect gardens, bee yards, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
• Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute ordinances to require trash be secured from bears.
• Feed pets indoors or bring the dishes in after feeding.
• Be aware when walking your dog and use a non-retractable leash.
• Clean grills and store them in a secure place.
• Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Remove wildlife and bird feeders or make them bear-resistant.

It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or to leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause human-bear conflicts. If you see or suspect someone is feeding or attracting bears, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

See how-to videos and information on securing garbage and food that attracts bears in the “Brochures and Videos” section at MyFWC.com/Bear.

You can also help people and bears stay safe by remembering to watch for bears while driving. This time of year, bears are traveling across more roads in search of food, which results in more vehicle-bear collisions. The FWC advises drivers to be aware of their surroundings as they drive in bear country, especially around dusk and dawn, and when there is forest on both sides of the road.

If you see a bear-crossing sign, pay particular attention as this area has had frequent vehicle-bear collisions. To learn more about how to keep people and bears safe on Florida roadways, see the “Vehicle Collisions with Bears” video at the “Brochures and Videos” section of MyFWC.com/Bear.

To learn more about living in bear country, visit BearWise.