About Black Bears
FL Black Bear Facts
Diet: Omnivore – typically consists of 73% plants, 22% insects, and 5% animals
Average life span in the wild: 20 years
Average Size: 4 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m) long
Average Weight: 150 to 450 lbs
Black bears are North America’s most common bears. They typically live in forests and are excellent tree climbers, but are also found in mountains and swamps. Despite their name, black bears can be blue-gray or blue-black, brown, or (very rarely) white.
The Florida black bear is known for being smaller and less fierce than other black bears, but it’s still important to be aware, respectful, and cautious.
- Average weights for adult bears in Florida range from 250 to 450 pounds for males and 125 to 250 pounds for females.
- Bears are called omnivores because they eat both plant and animals. A Florida black bear’s diet varies, but usually consists of 73% plants, 22% insects, and 5% animal matter.
- There are approximately 4050 Florida black bears located throughout the state, from the Everglades to the Panhandle. (FWC, 2024)
- Florida black bears are not true hibernators but are in a state of torpor.
- During their winter period torpor, they eat or drink very little, if any. They may appear to act drunk when out of the den during this period.
Learn more about Florida black bear facts and protection at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Website.
Food Storage Order
Bears constantly search for food; therefore, they are often drawn to the scents of our food. Human foods are unhealthy for bears, and they quickly become dependent on an easy food source. As they become more comfortable eating human food, they become at ease with humans, thus leading to bear-human conflicts that endanger bears and people. Florida Black Bears can pick up a scent from over a mile away, so taking care in storing food is very important.
You may not possess, store, or leave any food, refuse, or any bear attractant unless it is:
- Properly stored in a bear-resistant container
- Suspended at least 10 feet clear of the ground and 4 feet horizontally from any other pole or tree adjacent to the supporting tree
- Stored in a closed motor vehicle with a hard top
- You may not bury or burn any food or bear attractant
Foods Bears are attracted to:
- food
- beverages
- cooking grease
- toothpaste
- toiletries
- soap
- game meat
- carcass parts
- pet food
- bird seed
- livestock feed
- garbage
Keep Yourself Safe
- A bear will usually hear you and move away – they are generally not looking for confrontation
- Bears are shy animals – if they stand on their hind legs, it is simply to gain a better view
- Never offer a bear any food, and cook before sunset to avoid attracting them
- Change out of clothes you cooked in and wash your hands to avoid the smell of food before sleeping
- If bears feel threatened, they will snap their jaws, swat at the ground, or bluff charge to scare you away
- If you encounter a bear, do not run away or make any sudden movements
- Back away from a bear slowly, avoid direct eye contact, and do not try to play dead
- Do not try to escape by climbing a tree
- If a bear attacks, fight back with bare hands, rocks, backpacks, or water bottles
Keep Bears Safe
Vehicle collisions are responsible for 90% of known Florida black bear deaths.
The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway got its name from the large population of Florida black bears who make their homes here. Please do your part to help save bear lives by being alert to the fact that you are always sharing your drive with wildlife.
- Obey all posted speed limits and watch for warning signs about wildlife
- Be alert and drive slower than normal during dusk and dawn hours, when bears and other wildlife are more likely to be active
- Drive carefully and watch for wildlife in heavily wooded areas and areas with low-lighting
If you encounter a sick, injured, or orphaned Florida black bear, please get in touch with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission office: 888.404.3922
Do not approach the bear, even if you think it’s dead.
Learn more about avoiding collisions with bears on the road from
The Florida Black Bear | Myfwc.com
Video about a winning art project about black bears on SR 40: “Sorrowful” by Krystal Sellers