News Summary
Central Orlando is experiencing a rise in black bear sightings, particularly near Inter&Co Stadium and College Park. Residents are urged not to approach or feed bears. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is monitoring the situation. This seasonal surge in bear activity highlights the need for community awareness and safe practices, especially following a recent bear-related incident. As bear populations grow, discussions of management strategies, including potential bear hunts, are underway.
Orlando – Numerous black bear sightings have been reported across Central Orlando, with notable incidents occurring near Inter&Co Stadium in Parramore and in the College Park area. Residents have taken to social media to share images of a bear spotted running along Elizabeth Street, close to Princeton Elementary School. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been alerted to these sightings, although specific details about their responses remain limited.
Lisa Thompson, a spokesperson for the FWC, has emphasized the importance of giving bears adequate space to encourage them to move on independently. Residents are also advised to avoid approaching or feeding bears, as doing so can lead them to lose their natural fear of humans. Sightings have shown bears retreating to trees for safety; typically, they will come down when the area is clear of human activity.
The activity of black bears usually increases during the spring and summer months, leading to more frequent sightings in urban areas, which are otherwise quite rare. Recent reports have included instances of bears running on Elizabeth Avenue, climbing trees on Harrison Avenue, and wandering near a soccer stadium. Just two years ago, a young bear was trapped and relocated from Lake Eola Park to the Ocala National Forest, an action that reflects FWC’s ongoing management of bear incidents.
More specifically, female bears may often expand their range while teaching their cubs about potential food sources. Juvenile bears, separated from their mothers, tend to roam in search of new territories. Additionally, male bears exhibit increased activity in the summer breeding season. Meanwhile, there has also been a surge of recent bear activity along the Florida Gulf Coast, including areas close to beaches and shopping centers, indicating that young bears are actively searching for new homes in urban settings.
Residents are reminded that each year, approximately 300 bears are killed in vehicle collisions throughout Florida, underscoring the need for community awareness and precaution. The FWC encourages residents to secure their garbage and food resources to deter bears from entering neighborhoods. Moreover, people are urged to contact the FWC Wildlife Hotline at 888-404-3922 for any concerns regarding injured, orphaned, or threatening bears.
Educational outreach surrounding bear behavior is essential, with the FWC indicating that the current increase in sightings is primarily due to natural seasonal activities rather than habitat loss. Safety tips outlined by the FWC include maintaining a safe distance from bears, ensuring children and pets remain indoors during bear sightings, and refraining from any attempt to approach wildlife.
Recent bear activity has also been reported in Seminole County, where a bear was seen climbing down from a tree near Markham Woods Middle School, creating excitement among students and staff alike. Concerns regarding bear-human interactions have escalated in light of Florida’s first recorded black bear attack earlier this year, which tragically resulted in the deaths of a man and his dog. This incident has prompted an increase in caution and monitoring surrounding bear populations.
As a measure to manage the growing black bear population, the FWC is considering proposals to possibly reinstate bear hunts in Florida. This has sparked varied public opinions, especially after the last hunt, which took place in October 2015 and was terminated when the quota was reached within just two days. The FWC’s ongoing management efforts and community engagement remain vital in addressing the coexistence of bears and humans in urban settings.
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Additional Resources
- Gulf Coast News Now
- Wikipedia: Black bear
- Orlando Sentinel
- Google Search: Florida bears sightings
- Click Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ursidae
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google News: Florida bear attacks
- PNJ
- Google Scholar: Florida wildlife conservation
- My News 13
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bear
