Black Bears
September 7, 2023
There have been several black bear sightings in TwinEagles, as well as in other locations throughout Naples. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently sent out a reminder to the public saying that people should be aware that some bears are
moving into new territories. The Florida black bear is a subspecies and can be found across the
state. Florida black bears weigh 250 to 350 pounds when fully grown.
Bears are mostly interested in protecting food, cubs, or their own space. Black bears tend to
be wary of humans and avoid people by nature. FWC bear management program coordinator
Mike Orlando said “The most important thing people can do to help these bears is to leave them alone. Give
them plenty of space and let them move along on their own.”
Here are a few other common-sense safety tips (taken from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Fish and Wildlife) if you encounter a black bear in the neighborhood or outdoors while hiking:
- Never feed or approach a bear! Black bears can be conditioned when fed and can begin associating humans with food. It’s also illegal to intentionally feed bears.
- Remain calm.
- Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
- Make sure the bear has an escape route.
- Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away and/or move sideways.
- To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans, or use an airhorn. Make yourself seem as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
- If the bear utters sounds or swats the ground, these are warning signs that you’re are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact, and do not run.
- If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. This is usually not a threatening behavior.
The FWC and the National Park Service also have good information on how to stay safe around bears.