Tips for Bear Encounters this Fall

Over the last decade human-bear encounters have increased across Florida, including the Panhandle.  Recently the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) posted advice on how we can prepare for the fall season.

Florida Black Bear visiting an easy food source.

They mention that fall is a time when bears begin seeking additional food sources to prepare for winter.  An adult bear can consume up to 20,000 calories a day during this prep period.  All creatures will seek the easiest source of food, reducing energy effort in capturing, and will take the opportunity to raid garbage cans, pet food left outside, and even bird feeders.  Here are tips FWC suggests.

1. Never Feed Bears. Doing so will reduce their natural fear of humans, and intentionally doing so is illegal in Florida.
2. Secure Food and Garbage. Some suggestions on how to do this…
3. Keep your trash can in a sturdy shed or garage and do not place on the street until morning.
4. Modify your trash can to make it more secure. Tips for this can be found from FWC at Instructions on Making a Trashcan Bear-Resistant.
5. Purchase a bear resistant trash can. Bear Resistant Trash Containers.
6. They are attracted to gardens, compost piles, beehives, and livestock. Take measures to reduce their ability to reach these.
7. Pick ripe from fruit trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
8. Remove, or secure, bird feeders. If you want to feed winter birds, place only enough food for the delay and remove it at night.  You can find other suggestions to help winter birds at this site – Attract Backyard Birds, Not Backyard Bears – BearWise.
9. Never leave pet food outdoors. This is actually a good suggestion to reduce raccoon, coyote, and other wildlife encounters.  If you must feed your pet outside, do so for only short periods and bring all food after dark.
10. Clean and store grills.
11. Alert neighbors to bear activities. Share these tips with them and your HOA.

Bears are generally afraid of humans and are not aggressive but can become so when there are mothers protecting cubs, and dogs.  60% of all human-bear encounters involved dogs.  When walking your dogs keep them on a short leash and be aware of your surroundings and your dog’s reaction to your surroundings.  Before letting your dog out at night turn the exterior lights on and off several times and bang the door.  Keep in mind they will be moving more this time of year and are most often encountered on the roads at dawn and dusk.

If you have further questions, or need further information, search the FWC website.