Back HomeARE YOU BEAR AWARE?
Unwanted Thanksgiving guest at a Sabal Point home.
These days you have to be aware of all your neighbors not just the human ones but the black hairy ones too. The Florida Black Bear has always shared the Wekiva area of Central Florida with humans. Back in the 1960s in what is now Wekiva and Sweetwater, two very popular neighborhoods in North West Seminole County, you would have found a forest and active hunting land. Living in this area now you could see bears on a monthly basis. Do you know how to live in harmony with the bears?
There are several things you should keep in mind when you encounter a bear. First, remember the bear is a wild animal and should be given its space and the respect it deserves. If a bear is in your yard, make sure 1) you are in a safe area, 2) the bear has a clear escape route, 3) SCARE THAT BEAR! Click here to see what you can use to scare the bear.
You want to let the bear know it is not welcomed in your yard, so make some noise to scare it away. The FWC recommends yelling, banging pots, setting off your car alarm, an air horn, or other loud noises to help scare the bear away. Once the bear has left your property and it is safe, look around and use the Wildlife Attraction Scorecard to see what is attracting the bear to your yard. Then make sure you follow the tips below from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on living bear aware:
- Secure household garbage in a shed, garage or a wildlife resistant container (like a bear-resistant container or caddy).
- Put household garbage out on morning of pick-up rather than the night before.
- Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
- Protect gardens, apiaries, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
- Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute ordinances on keeping foods that attract wildlife secure.
- Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding.
- Clean grills and store them in a locked, secure place.
- Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
- Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground – bears love fruit!
- Screened enclosures ARE NOT SECURE and WILL NOT keep bears out.
