Tips from Florida Fish & Wildlife on how best to manage encounters with Florida black bears, which are becoming more common in certain parts of Florida.
Articles about wildlife
Bear season in Florida
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As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors – whether in your campsite or at home.
Bears in Jupiter
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Jupiter has bears? Today’s the first time I’ve seen them along a trail: the Longleaf Pine Trail, an interpretive nature trail at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a lovely family escape just south of Indiantown Road near I-95.
Do not feed the bears
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“A fed bear is a dead bear,” says Florida Fish & Wildlife. It’s time to make homeowners responsible for keeping trash and food out of reach when they live in bear territory.
Do Not Feed the Bears
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Bear bagging is the art of hanging your food properly out of reach of bears. If you’re a Florida backpacker and haven’t learned how, here’s a short course. Securing your food from bears is required in the Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola National Forests.
Florida Black Bear
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Learn about the Florida black bear and how to handle yourself in bear habitat, whether you’re hiking, camping, or a homeowner in an area where bears are common
Florida Panther
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A subspecies of cougar, the Florida panther has been making a slow but steady comeback in their stronghold in Big Cypress and the Everglades, with sightings of individual cats reported by hikers throughout the state
Halpatiokee Mountain Bike Trail
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Along a 7.5-mile loop, the Mountain Bike Trail at Halpatiokee Regional Park mixes technical challenges and scenic views
Hiker Safety Around Wild Hogs
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One of the more fearless creatures you’ll encounter in Florida’s wilds is the wild hog. Here is advice from Florida Fish & Wildlife on how to cope with hogs.
How to Identify a Coral Snake
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Coral snake or king snake? Their coloration is similar so it’s tough to tell, but remember the rhyme, “red touch yellow, kill a fellow.” Don’t pick snakes up!
Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
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For a surprising diversity of habitats and hilly terrain, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a hidden treasure for hikers and a bonanza for botanical delights
Name that Snake!
>>> Public Lands affected by Hurricane Ian damageTripped over a snake on a Florida trail? Stopped in your tracks watching one in the water? We’ve all had these moments that make us wary. The good news is that there are only six species of venomous snakes in Florida, and they’re pretty easy to identify. Especially after you take a look at this …