Yes, We Have Bears In Florida!
Black bears occupied all of the Florida mainland,
including some coastal islands and larger keys before settlement by
the early Europeans.
The occupied range has been reduced to 6 core areas
(Eglin, Apalachicola, Osceola, Ocala, St. Johns, and Big Cypress)
and 2 remnant areas (Chassahowitzka and Glades/Highlands).
Bears can be found anywhere in Florida. However, we
have documented certain areas that have high bear densities. These
regions, or populations, are listed below.
The bear distribution map includes primary (green)
and secondary (brown) black bear ranges. The area they inhabit in
search of food, water, and adequate cover is called a home
range.
- A primary bear range is defined as an area that contains a core
bear population, habitat that is important to bear movement, and
evidence of reproduction.
- A secondary bear range is defined as an area important to bear
movement and habitat use, but less optimal than a primary
range.
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