CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County deputies have been called to three bear sightings this week, and state wildlife officials have documented at least two of the incidents as a black bear.
In each case, the bear was gone by the time deputies arrived, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, but a bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission documented two of the cases and the agency is warning residents to keep their distance.
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Wildlife officials said they set up a culvert trap in an area where one of the bears frequents.
"He doesn't avoid humans when approached or when loud, explosive fireworks are shot off near him," FWC spokeswoman Karen Parker said.
FWC biologist Allan Hallman has responded numerous times to the bear complaints over the past week.
"We want to use aversive conditioning such as firecrackers, bean bags and paintball pellets to let the bears know that being around people isn't a pleasant experience," Hallman said in a news release.
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Wildlife officials said the most important thing for residents to remember is to not feed the bears.
"Problems arise when bears have access to unnatural food sources such as pet foods, garbage, barbecue grills, birdseed or livestock feed," Hallman said. "Bears learn very quickly to associate people with food, and this puts the animals at increased risk because of traffic or poaching."
Black bears normally are too shy to risk contact with humans, but their strong food drive can overwhelm these instincts, officials said. Residents can help the bears move on, so they don't become a problem, officials said.
"We're hoping that if people remove the attractants, the bears will return to wooded areas and leave the urban and suburban neighborhoods," Hallman said.
Properly storing or securing garbage is a proven method of discouraging bears, officials said. Bird feeders and barbecue grills should be stored in a secure place, such as a garage or a sturdy shed. Place garbage cans outside on the morning of pickup, rather than the night before. People can encourage their neighbors, community or local government to use bear-resistant trash containers or Dumpsters.
"Another way people can help is to feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding," Hallman said.
Relocating the bears is not a good option, Hallman said.
"Relocation is stressful to bears and often places them in another bear's territory," he said. "Often, a relocated bear may try to return to its original home and, in the process, cross busy roads, creating a danger for itself and motorists.
"Another reason not to relocate bears is that it requires chemically immobilizing the animal," Hallman said. "This subjects the animal to additional stress, with no guarantees of how it will react around people before it goes to sleep or how it will handle the drug.
"If you see a black bear, remain calm. Don't run away. Walk calmly toward a building or vehicle and get inside," Hallman said. "If you have children or pets, bring them inside. Encourage the bear to leave. Bang pots and pans, or blow an air horn or whistle. The more stressful a bear's encounter with you, the less likely it is to come back."
If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone, officials said. They said to remove people and dogs from the area. The bear usually will come down and leave when it feels safe.
If the bear is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock or is causing property damage, report it to the FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Residents can find out more about living with black bears at MyFWC.com/Bear.