Living with black bears: Respect, coexistence, and management

Seeing a black bear can be thrilling and rewarding, their presence is not necessarily a threat. Black bears are known to be shy, but they are wild – so you must use caution and avoid any up close interactions.

A week ago, the first fatality in Florida’s history from a black bear attack was reported in Collier County. The bodies of an elderly man and his dog were recovered. Three bears in the area were killed and one contained the man’s remains and DNA. Most all encounters with bears involved a dog. Dogs can startle or become a threat to a bear evoking a defensive response from the bear. It is important to have your dogs leashed if you are in an area frequented by bears.

Coexisting with black bears

The key to peaceful coexistence with black bears is understanding their behavior and minimizing human-related risks. Black bears are generally not aggressive, but they are opportunistic feeders. This means that human food sources, trash, pet food, and even bird feeders can attract bears. Once a bear becomes habituated to human food, it can pose a danger—not because it is naturally aggressive, but because it begins to associate humans with food, increasing the likelihood of conflict.

To prevent bear encounters:

• Secure food and trash: Use bear-proof trash cans, and never leave pet food or unsecured human food outside.
• Avoid feeding bears: Feeding bears—intentionally or unintentionally—leads to dangerous habituation.
• Use bear-resistant bird feeders: If possible, avoid feeding birds in bear-prone areas. If you do, ensure your feeders are high and secured.
• Maintain awareness when hiking: Carry bear spray, make noise when walking in bear habitats, and keep dogs on a leash.
• Lock doors and windows: In some areas, bears may attempt to enter homes if they associate human structures with food.

Communities that successfully coexist with black bears often have educational programs and policies in place to teach residents and visitors about bear behavior. While it is thrilling to see a bear in the wild, keeping a respectful distance and ensuring they do not become reliant on human food is crucial for their well-being—and ours.

A balanced approach

Ultimately, living with black bears is both a privilege and a responsibility. Education and strong policies on bear-resistant practices can go a long way in preventing unnecessary conflicts, while regulated management strategies—whether hunting, relocation, or habitat conservation—must be carefully evaluated to ensure they are ethical and effective. Whether you support or oppose bear hunting, the goal should always be a well-managed, sustainable balance between humans and wildlife.

Bears are not villains nor pests; they are intelligent, resourceful, and vital to the ecosystems they inhabit. Finding the best way to live alongside them requires patience, understanding, and careful decision-making. In the end, a future where humans and bears coexist peacefully is within reach—if we put in the effort to make it work.