We are a volunteer organization whose goal is to help Florida Wildlife “get to the other side safely” by supporting the perseverance of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway and by lobbing and advocating the building of more safe passages, and multi use trails. We are optimistic that our efforts will ensure that Florida’s wildlife will continue for generations to come.
Roads, large urban agricultural development can be major barriers for all kinds of wildlife from bears, bobcats, frogs and everything in between. Wild areas are carved up and split into smaller pieces often caused by human development. If not planned correctly, habitat division can occur.
Habitat division limits movement thereby impairing some animal’s ability to find food, shelter and mates. Populations get isolated, sensitive species go extinct, and key ecological process like plant pollination can be lost forever. Birth defects, reproductive problems, and vulnerability to disease happens when populations are isolated too long.
It is critical that these core protected areas such as the Ocala National Forest the heart of the Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway be connected by corridors/wildlife crossings, natural areas that connect patches of habitat which allow animals to move freely across all landscapes.
Across the United States a collision with some form of wildlife occurs on an average every 39 minutes.
- 725,000 to 1.5 million wildlife collisions annually.
- From 2000-2006, wildlife related crashes in the US have claimed 2,307 human lives and over 1 million dollars in property damage.
One of the most important aspects of improvements along the whole byway is preserving and protecting wildlife. Wildlife crossings will be added, animal crossing signage and speed warning signs may be placed along new construction.
Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway helping make the byway safe for both animals and people by advocating for animal/people crossings one step at a time.