The Florida black bear range is divided into 4 categories based on the data that is collected by bear researchers, managers, as well as from the general public. The data that is collected comes from calls for assistance, research and management captures, vehicle strikes, and sightings. Each category measures how frequently black bears are seen in different areas of Florida.
While black bears can be found almost anywhere in Florida, they prefer a mixture of flatwoods, swamps, scrub oak ridges, bayheads and hammock habitats. The area they roam in to search for food, water, and adequate cover is called a home range. While wild bears are found in almost half of the state, due to their natural wariness of people and preference for dense understory they can be hard to see.
Black bears are fascinating creatures. Watch a bear biologist present everything from what Florida black bears eat to what you should do if you encounter a bear! Check out the informative video here: Virtual Bear School
Whether you are a child or adult, homeowner, renter or tourist, apartment dweller or rancher, we all have a role in black bear conservation.