Florida black bear population on the rise

HAVANA, Fla. – Florida game officials will meet Wednesday to discuss an increase in the black bear population in the Sunshine State.

Wildlife workers said there are now 4,000 adult black bears in the state.

The population fell to only 300 in the 1970s.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservaton Commission said because of conservation efforts, there are now more black bears in the state than at any time in the last 100 years.