Florida
Florida wildlife officials warn more black bear sightings expected during this season
Bill would make it legal to kill bears
A bill that will be discussed in the Florida Legislature on Tuesday would allow people to shoot bears on their property if it’s in self-defense. However, bear advocates plan to travel to Tallahassee to voice their opposition.
ORLANDO, Fla. – You may see a potential increase in black bear sightings this season.
During this time of year, more bears are spotted in suburban and urban areas, including in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and other portions of Florida, as juvenile bears start to leave their mother’s home in search of new locations to settle down, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC).
“Juvenile or yearling bears – between the ages of 1½ -2½ – start dispersing in spring and summer each year,” FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando, said in a press release. “The best thing people can do if they see a bear in an unexpected area is to give them plenty of space and to never approach or feed them and they will typically move along on their own.”
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When Florida Attacks: How to live with bears
FOX 35 talks with Mike Orlando, the lead bear program manager with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, about bears in Central Florida. How many are there? Where do they go? Why do we see them in backyards? And do bears attack, and why?
Though you may see the curious creature in unexpected places, like your residential neighborhood, wildlife officials said it should not cause for alarm. It is important, however, for residents to secure items such as food and garbage, pet food and bird feeders, which could attract a bear.
The FWC said the black bear is not typically aggressive, but will defend itself if it feels threatened.
MORE: Big bear wanders inside Florida home and is scared off by homeowner
It’s also important to keep dogs close when walking them and to be aware of your surroundings, to prevent a problem with the wild animal.
If you are having an issue with a bear, spot one that is injured or dead, or know of someone feeding them, you’re asked to contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.
What we know:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.
READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD
Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.
Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.
What we don’t know:
LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.
By the numbers:
As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.
READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week
The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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