Increase in Black Bear Sightings in Florida Panhandle

There has been an increase in the number of black bear sightings in the Florida Panhandle. This has prompted the state wildlife officials to conduct a public workshop to discuss safety measures with the residents and give guidelines on how to cohabitate with the bears.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has received nearly 360 calls with regard to bear sightings in regions across the border of Eglin Air Force Base, including Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, since the beginning of this year.

 In 2012, nearly 249 bear sightings were reported, regional spokesman Stan Kirkland said, according to WTSP.Com.

This year, nearly four bears have been hit by vehicles. Last Wednesday a 110 pounds female black bear was spotted dead off the road, along U.S. 98 in Navarre.

The current bear population in Florida is estimated to be nearly 3,000. They were delisted from the state threatened species by FWC on June 27, 2012. Each year nearly 100 bears die on Florida roadways. The year 2002 recorded the highest number with nearly 132 bears reported killed. Roadkill is the leading cause  in the state. Since 1999, nearly 89 percent of bear deaths have occurred due to road accidents.( Wikipedia).

"There's been a lot of construction in the last 10 years in this area. So, you see the habitat, that once was forested, now contains subdivisions and homes. So, there's going to be more interactions with humans and wildlife because of that. The more times the bears spend in the neighborhood, the more likely they'll be hit by cars or get into trouble. And, that's not something we want to see," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist Barbara Almario.   

The state Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze and members of the commission plan a workshop at the Pensacola State College-South Santa Rosa Center on July 31.