Black Bears are Found Throughout Florida: Where They’re Often Spotted, How to Avoid Them

Florida’s Black Bear Population: A Growing Concern in Collier County

Florida’s black bear population, once significantly diminished, has made a remarkable comeback. While this is positive news for conservation efforts, it also means increased encounters between humans and bears, particularly in areas like Collier County, home to Naples. The expanding urban sprawl of Naples, with its bustling streets like Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, is encroaching on the bears’ natural habitat, leading to more frequent sightings in unexpected places. This presents a challenge for both residents and visitors, demanding a proactive approach to coexistence.

Where Black Bears are Commonly Spotted in and Around Naples

While you’re less likely to spot a black bear strolling down Fifth Avenue South amidst the luxury boutiques, encounters aren’t entirely unheard of. Bears are drawn to areas with readily available food sources. This means that areas bordering natural preserves and waterways are more likely to have bear activity. Some prime areas in and around Naples where black bears have been sighted include:

• Areas near the Gordon River Greenway: This popular recreational area offers bears access to abundant food and water sources.
• The outskirts of Naples Botanical Garden: The garden’s lush vegetation and potential food sources can attract bears.
• Wooded areas adjacent to Vanderbilt Beach Road: The undeveloped land alongside this busy road provides habitat for bears.
• The fringes of the Naples Art District and Mercato Shops: While less likely, the proximity to residential areas and potential food scraps can lead to occasional sightings.
• Tin City: The proximity to waterways and potential food sources makes this area a possibility, although less likely than more heavily wooded areas.
• Collier County’s extensive network of preserves and parks: These areas offer a primary habitat for black bears.
• Areas surrounding the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) campus: The campus’s proximity to natural areas increases the likelihood of bear sightings.

Understanding Black Bear Behavior

Black bears are generally shy and elusive creatures. They prefer to avoid contact with humans. However, when food is easily accessible, or when they feel threatened, they will approach human settlements. Understanding their behavior is crucial for preventing conflicts.

Black bears are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods, including berries, nuts, insects, and occasionally, garbage. Their attraction to human-provided food sources is a major driver of conflict. This includes pet food left outdoors, unsecured garbage cans, bird feeders, and even compost piles. Even seemingly insignificant scraps can lure a bear, and once they find a consistent food source, they’ll likely return.

How to Avoid Encounters with Black Bears

The best way to ensure your safety and the safety of the bears is to minimize encounters altogether. Here’s how:

Living Bear-Aware in Naples

• Secure your garbage: Use bear-resistant garbage cans or store trash in a secure location, preferably inside a garage or shed. Never leave garbage bags outside overnight.
• Remove attractants: Don’t leave pet food outdoors, and clean up any spilled birdseed or pet food immediately. Avoid leaving compost piles accessible to bears.
• Secure your grills: After using your grill, clean and store it properly. Leftover food residue can attract bears.
• Be bear aware while walking/hiking: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear. Travel in groups, and keep children close.
• Never approach or feed a bear: This is incredibly dangerous and encourages them to become habituated to humans.
• Properly store bird feeders: Store feeders properly away. Remove them entirely during periods of high bear activity.
• Keep your distance: If you encounter a bear, slowly back away and give it plenty of space. Never run. Make yourself look large and make noise.
• Report bear sightings: Report any bear sightings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to help track bear activity in the area.

Enjoying Naples’ Outdoors Safely

Naples offers many wonderful outdoor spaces, from the beautiful Naples Pier to the expansive Gordon River Greenway. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, remember to follow these guidelines when visiting these areas:

• Stay on marked trails: Wandering off-trail increases the chances of encountering wildlife.
• Keep children close: Supervise children carefully at all times.
• Carry bear spray: Be prepared to use it if necessary.
• Make noise while hiking: This helps to alert bears to your presence.
• Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk: These are peak times for bear activity.
• Pack out all your trash: Leave no trace behind.

What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear

If you encounter a black bear, remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. If the bear approaches, make yourself look large, raise your arms, and yell loudly. Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it if the bear attacks.

Never run from a bear. Running triggers their predatory instincts. If a bear attacks, fight back aggressively using anything at your disposal as a weapon. Remember to report the incident to the FWC immediately.

The Role of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The FWC plays a crucial role in managing Florida’s black bear population. They work to promote coexistence between humans and bears through education, research, and proactive management strategies. The FWC offers valuable resources and information on how to prevent bear conflicts, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their guidelines.

Conclusion

Coexisting peacefully with black bears in Collier County and Naples requires a collective effort. By taking simple precautions, understanding bear behavior, and reporting sightings, we can minimize conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and bears. A proactive and informed approach is key to preserving the natural beauty of our region while ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants – both human and wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• Florida death row inmate dies, convicted of infamous 1995 Cracker Barrel murders in Naples
• Memorial Day 2025: Top events in Naples, Bonita Springs and all over Southwest Florida
• Carlos F. J. Moore Obituary