Black Bears in Florida

Welcome to the official bear web page of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), combining information from the Bear Management and Research Programs of both the Division of Habitat & Species Conservation and the Fish & Wildlife Research Institute. Our goal is to be your source for information on Florida's black bears.

Browse around with the links on the right to look for:

range maps
rules and regulations
Chronological History of Bears in Florida
Human/Bear Interaction and roads
What to do if you encounter a bear
information about camping and hunting within bear country
teacher resources
activities for children
research conducted in the past and present, and
a list of links to other black bear web pages including information on the Wakulla Wildlife Festival and Umatilla Bear Festival.

Distribution Map
Rules and Regulations
The "Bear" Facts
Human/Bear Interactions
What to Do if You Encounter a Bear
Bears and Roads
Recreating in Bear Country
Educators Corner
Cub Corner (for kids)
Research
Brochures & Other Forms
Reports & Presentations
Bearish Links

Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.