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BLACK BEARS

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida advocates for increased protection of non-viable bear sub-populations, including the one in Glades and Highlands counties, and sub-populations that could serve as a source for the non-viable subpopulations to become stronger. We also urge decisionmakers to increase the habitat available for bear subpopulations, especially habitat that connects subpopulations to each other.


Additionally, we advocate that if development in bear areas is allowed, that strict “Bear Wise” designs be required to avoid future conflicts with Florida’s bears. We have walked door-to-door in hot-spot neighborhoods already experiencing conflicts in order to help educate people about what they can do to avoid attracting bears or allowing access to human food sources.

In 2012, the black bear was removed from the State of Florida's Endangered and Threatened Species List despite opposition from environmental groups, including the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Today, the population of black bears in Florida has been divided into subpopulations, in part by development that isolates pockets of habitat and places bears in closer contact with humans.

Populations that are isolated are threatened by the ramifications of inbreeding as well as limited space for necessary behaviors such as feeding, foraging, and reproduction. Conflict between bears and an exploding human population have led to worries over public safety and increased euthanasia of ‘conflict’ bears. 

One of the subpopulations in Southwest Florida, located partially in Glades County, is in grave danger of extirpation - a local extinction. This population does not meet the minimum numbers to remain viable and the connection between this subpopulation and our Big Cypress subpopulation is limited due to lack of habitat corridors.

Further, as development pushes farther into black bear habitat, humans are more likely than ever to come in contact with bears. People can knowingly and unknowingly create a danger to bears and others if unsecured trash bins, birdfeeders, pet food, and other attractants are left to provide easy meals for bears.

Feeding bears, knowingly or unknowingly, is prohibited in Florida and may result in fines and charges.

When bears associate easy meals with humans, they begin to lose their fear of humans and may even become dependent on humans for their food and begin occupying neighborhoods. Bears that are unafraid of people is problematic for both people and for the bears, themselves. Bears that associate food with humans are more likely to be killed as problem bears. 

The saying, “A fed bear is a dead bear,” has never been more true.

 

History of Conservancy involvement

2009 - 2012

Stakeholder in drafting of Black Bear Management Plan in which we advocated for continued protection under the state’s imperiled species list and better conservation of bear habitat. We also advocated for removal of social carrying capacity management and any language regarding hunting.

  • We provided comment letters, spoke with agency officials, and provided testimony before the Commissioners at their hearing.
  • RESULT: Black Bear Conservation Rule included language regarding continued FWC involvement in the permitting process that allows the agency a nexus to comment and require protections.


2012 - present

  • Serve as a Bear Technical Assistance Group (TAG) stakeholder.


2014 - present

  • Participate in FWC South Bear Stakeholder Group. A central focus on the group is to avoid and minimize human-bear conflicts through reduction of attractants and proper waste management.
  • Conservancy appointed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Panther Recovery Implementation Team Transportation Subteam, which has been working on identifying opportunities for landscape connectivity and underpasses to facilitate movement of large mammals, including bears and panthers.


2015

Incredible effort by the Conservancy in regards to the proposed bear hunt, as well as sweeping other changes to bear management including depredation permit program, expanded hazing, and accelerated killing of nuisance bears (a.k.a. One Strike Rule).

  • We provided comment letters and testified at public hearings opposing the hunt due to- unknown effects on the South population (no current population figures), threat to South-Central population from hunting occurring to the South (as these bears are possibly a source for this struggling subpopulation), and need to focus resources on trash management and habitat protection (the real source of human-bear conflicts).
  • Our marketing campaign included being a guest on the WGCU radio show and other radio shows , as well as local media outlets. We wrote opinion piece that was circulated widely, as well as posting on Facebook.
  • We also partnered extensively with other environmental groups, including coordinating conference calls to develop strategy.
  • We participated in all public meetings on the subject, from community meetings, state-wide Q&A calls, TAG calls, and at the Commission’s meetings in Jacksonville and Sarasota providing in-person testimony.
  • RESULT: FWC Commissioners passed a resolution regarding trash management and committed to a timeline and action plan to go before municipal governments in bear hot spots. FWC is also revamping their role in the SFWMD and DEP ERP process to provide stronger and more consistent comments and conditions for developments in bear habitat (previously, the FWC either did not provide comment on bear issues, or simply referred to the Living with Bears educational pamphlet. New language, once approved, would result in better conditions, if projects are permitted, to protect bear habitat, and to require management of trash and other attractants).

2016

  • Conservancy to continue to track FWC proposal for 2016 bear hunt, providing public comment, attending meetings, and working with partners. Our concerns regarding negative impacts of the hunt and overharvest to the health of the population (including the endangered South-Central population), and the need to focus resources on trash management and habitat protection has not adequately been resolved.
  • Read a June 17 comment letter from the Conservancy the FWC Commission. 


Ongoing

  • Comment on developers in bear habitat, advocating for greater habitat protection and conditions to limit human-bear conflicts.
  • Collaboration with partners to promote Living with Wildlife/Living with Bear concepts, including the Conservancy’s Florida Panther Compensation Program. Efforts also include door-to-door canvassing to educate citizens in affected neighborhoods.
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Learn more from our Policy and Advocacy Department

Manatees

The manatee population in Southwest Florida is very vulnerable. The Conservancy advocates against attempts to downlist the Florida manatee under the Endangered Species Act.

Learn more

 

Panthers in Peril

With only about 100-180 Florida panthers remaining, the Conservancy advocates that development projects avoid impacting any panther habitat, or that officials take steps to minimize any impact.

Learn more

 

Mining

The Conservancy works with decision makers, and directly with mining operations if possible, to eliminate and minimize the negative impacts of land use changes on natural resources.

Learn more

 

More from Policy:

  • Oil
  • Water Quality Standards
  • Fertilizer Ordinance
  • Florida panther
  • Black Bears
  • Manatees
  • Take Action

 

 

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Address

1495 Smith Preserve Way
Naples, Florida 34102

Nature Center Hours

Closed due to construction

von Arx Wildlife Hospital Hours

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365 days a year

 

Contact

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