FWC seeks to limit bear encounters as mating season approaches

Wildlife officials are providing Florida homeowners with tips on how to cut down on bear encounters as mating season approaches and the animals become more active. 

Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said mating season begins June 1 and with it comes warm weather, which means the bears are moving out of their winter dens in search of food. The cubs that were born weighing 12 ounces at the end of January are now growing and and need more to eat.

“Now is the time to expect bears to show up looking for food,” said Dave Telesco, who directs the FWC’s bear management program. “If they can’t find food in your neighborhood, they’ll move on.”

Black bears aren't generally aggressive, but the increased prevalence and activity increase the chance of encounters with humans, both at homes and on the roads.

During a workshop at the Sanford Zoo Thursday morning, officials reminded the public that it is illegal to feed bears and provided tips on how to keep them away from neighborhoods.

Officials recommend:
-Securing garbage in the garage or a wildlife-resistant container
-Putting garbage out on the morning of trash pickup, rather than the night before
-Keeping commercial garbage in a bear-resistant dumpster
-Protecting compost, beehives, livestock and gardens with electric fences
-Feeding pets indoors
-Cleaning grills and storing them in a secure place
-Removing wildlife feeders
-Picking ripe fruit from trees and fallen fruit from the ground

Drivers are encouraged to be cognizant of bear crossing-signs and slow down when driving on rural highways, particularly at dawn or dusk.

Anyone who is having conflicts with bears is asked to contact a regional office, or call FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 to report someone harming or threatening bears.

Click here for more bear safety tips.