Love is in the air for Florida black bears.

Breeding season for bears runs from June to July, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding homeowners that bears are moving around, foraging for food and looking for mates.

According to FWC bear management program coordinator Dave Telesco, the agency is seeing an increase in calls about bears in neighborhoods around the state. The animals are lured into neighborhoods to feast on unsecured trash. His best advice: Do not feed the bears.

It is also illegal to feed bears in Florida.

“Problems arise when bears have access to people-related food sources such as pet foods, garbage, barbecue grills, birdseed or livestock feed,” Telesco said. “Bears learn very quickly to associate people with food, and this puts the animals at increased risk of illegal kills or crossing highways and getting hit by vehicles.”

Black bears normally are too shy to risk contact with humans, but their strong food drive can overwhelm these instincts. Residents can help these bears “move on,” so they don’t cause a conflict.

“If people remove the attractants, the bears will stay where we want them to stay – in wooded areas – and not enter urban and suburban neighborhoods,” Telesco said.

Properly storing and securing garbage is a proven method of discouraging bears. Barbecue grills should be stored in a secure place, such as a garage or a sturdy shed when they are not in use (typically evenings). Keep garbage cans secure and only place them outside on the morning of pickup, rather than the night before. People can encourage their neighbors, community or local government to use bear-resistant trash containers or dumpsters. To find out where to get them, go to MyFWC.com/Bears and select “Brochures & Other Materials.”

“Another way people can help is to feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding,” Telesco said.

“Relocating bears is not always the best option,” Telesco explained. “Most bears do not stay where we put them, and more than half of the bears we move just end up causing conflicts again in a new location.”

“If you see a black bear, remain calm. Don’t run. Walk calmly toward a building or vehicle and get inside,” Telesco said. “If you have children or pets, bring them inside. Once you are in a secure location, encourage the bear to leave by banging pots and pans, blowing a car or air horn or whistle. The more stressful a bear’s encounter with you, the less likely it is to come back.”

If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear usually will come down and leave when it feels safe, which is typically after dark.

If the bear is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock or is causing property damage, report it to the FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Residents can find out more about living with black bears at MyFWC.com/Bear.

Frequently asked questions about bears

Q. How many bears are there in Florida?

A. The best scientifically valid population estimates total 2,500 to 3,000 bears statewide. Bears currently live in eight relatively isolated areas. While some populations appear to be doing well, others are still recovering.

Q. What do I do if I see a bear?

A. If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice. Do NOT feed or intentionally attract bears. If a bear eats something on your property, take note of what it is and secure it once the bear leaves. NEVER approach or surprise a bear. If you see a bear from a distance, enjoy the experience, but do not move toward the bear. If you are close, do not make any sudden or abrupt movements. Back away slowly and be sure the bear has an obvious escape route.

If you are in your yard,

• Make sure you are in a safe area and that the bear has a clear escape route. Then, make noise or bang pots and pans to scare the bear away.
• Do NOT turn your back, play dead, climb a tree or run. Back away slowly into the house or a secure area.
• Avoid direct eye contact. Bears and many other animals may view this as aggressive behavior.
• Report any bear that is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline, 888-404-FWCC (3922) (See MyFWC.com/Contact). Cell phone users can call *FWC or #FWC.

Q. Are black bears fast runners or good climbers?

A. Absolutely! Bears can run up to 35 mph and climb 100 feet up a tree in 30 seconds! Do NOT run or climb a tree when you encounter a bear.

• Don't run. Running triggers a chase instinct in many animals, including bears. You can’t outrun a bear.
• Don't climb a tree. Bears are excellent tree-climbers. Mother black bears often send their cubs up a tree when they sense danger. You don’t want to end up in a tree with a couple of cubs above you and a mother bear below you! If a bear chases you, you'll just end up fending off a bear in a tree rather than on the ground.
• Don’t play dead or turn your back on the bear. Back away slowly, make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear.

If bears feel threatened, they may clack their teeth together, moan, blow, huff or paw the ground. The bear is showing you that it is as uncomfortable with the situation as you are. These are not indications of aggressive intent or an imminent attack. Truly predatory or aggressive black bears are eerily silent.

Q. What do I do if the bear stands up on its hind legs?

A. If the bear stands up, this is NOT an aggressive behavior. The bear is only trying to see you better to figure out what you are and assess whether or not you are a threat. Back away slowly, making sure the bear has a clear escape route.

Q. What do I do if a bear comes toward me or attacks?

A. If the bear paws the ground, huffs and puffs, clacks and snorts, or runs directly at you but stops before reaching you and returns to where it started, it is trying to scare you off. If you stand your ground, the bear will likely stop and move away. No matter what happens, do not run away. Continue slowly backing away, talking and holding up your arms. The bear may charge or vocalize several times until it is comfortable turning its back on you and leaving.

While there have been no predatory bear attacks on people in Florida, more than a dozen people have been bitten and scratched by bears defending themselves, cubs or food sources.

If a black bear attacks you: Fight back aggressively. People in other states have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks or even their bare hands. Bears are wild animals and must be respected. Even though they are typically quiet and shy animals, they have the potential to seriously harm humans. Do not take unnecessary risks.

A new draft of the five-year update to the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan for the state is available for review. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking for public input.

The threatened gopher tortoise is classified as a keystone species, because its extensive burrows offer shelter to more than 350 other species such as the federally threatened eastern indigo snake. Gopher tortoises were identified more than 235 years ago by naturalist William Bartram as he explored Florida.

“Gopher tortoise burrows average 6.5 feet deep and 15 feet long, provide a home for hundreds of other species and offer great amenities: constant temperature, refuge from fires and bad weather, and protection from predators,” said Deborah Burr, the FWC’s gopher tortoise plan coordinator. “When gopher tortoises decline, so do the occupants of their burrows, such as indigo snakes, gopher frogs and burrowing owls.

“The revised draft Gopher Tortoise Management Plan for the first time addresses the total picture of the tortoise and its tenants,” Burr said.

The draft plan and link to comment on the plan are available at MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise. Public comment will be accepted on the draft plan through June 25. More than 100 individuals and stakeholders already have made suggestions on improving the original 2007 plan, through written input and a public meeting.

The draft revisions to the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan are scheduled to go before the FWC’s Commissioners at their Sept. 5-6 meeting.

The objectives of the draft plan are:

• Minimize loss of gopher tortoises by ensuring humane, responsible relocation from lands slated for development;
• Increase and improve species’ habitat;
• Enhance and restore populations where the species no longer occurs or has been severely depleted;
• Maintain its function as a keystone species by also conserving commensal species.

Florida’s first Gopher Tortoise Management Plan was approved by the FWC in 2007 and was scheduled to be updated five years later.

Under the original plan, Florida has made progress in slowing the decline of gopher tortoises by providing options to move tortoises off lands slated for development as well as opportunities for homeowners and landowners interested in conserving tortoises on their property.

Since 2007, the plan has restored and managed an annual average of 36,000 acres of gopher tortoise habitat, expanded protected tortoise habitat by more than 6,500 acres, and humanely relocated than 4,000 gopher tortoises from development sites to public and private properties that afford the species long-term conservation.

Stakeholders in the Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group were instrumental in the development and implementation of the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and continue to provide input during the plan’s revision process. Assistance group representatives come from a wide range of interests: industry, conservation, land development, state and local government, universities and research, commercial services, private landowners, large federal and state land managers, animal advocacy and the general public.

In Florida, it is illegal to harm gopher tortoises or their burrows.

“Florida is a great place to enjoy boating year-round,” said Col. Jim Brown, director of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “That weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer and means even more people will be out on the water. National Safe Boating Week (May 19-25) also presents an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating.”

Memorial Day weekend is May 26-28.

The safe-boating effort is timely, as 10 people have already lost their lives this year due to boating accidents.

“We want to reach out to as many boaters as we can to help them understand that most boating accidents are preventable,” Brown said. “FWC officers are committed to keeping people as safe as possible, but we need your help.”

The FWC reminds boaters to enjoy their time on the water by remembering a few safety precautions, such as remaining alert while operating a boat, wearing a life jacket at all times and designating a sober boat operator.

According to the FWC, inattentiveness of the operator often contributes to boating accidents, and statistics show that more than 64 percent of the 66 boating-related deaths confirmed last year were attributed to drowning.

The wide variety of comfortable, affordable and stylish life jackets on the market today offers all boaters the protection they need.

“Boating smart and safely could result in fewer injuries and deaths each year,” Brown said.

More information can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating.

The brown pelican is one species that is especially impacted by monofilament line. These birds frequently spend time looking for an easy meal at piers and other fishing hotspots. They are often hooked accidently as they try to grab bait off an angler’s line. Discarded monofilament line can wind up hanging from trees, piers and other structures, and can ensnare these birds. Once entangled, pelicans can have a difficult time flying and feeding.

 “We often find pelicans that died as a result of monofilament line entanglements hanging from trees and other vegetation,” said FWC regional biologist Ricardo Zambrano. “These birds often suffer for days before succumbing to injury or starvation.”

Here are some simple things you can do to help protect brown pelicans and other wildlife:

• Properly dispose of monofilament line. If you have unwanted line, store it safely and securely until it can be placed in a recycling bin.
• Don’t leave fishing line unattended, as pelicans may be tempted to steal your bait.
• Avoid casting near trees, utility lines and other areas where your line may get caught.
• Check your tackle frequently for frayed line that may easily break.
• Do not feed pelicans or other wildlife, since it encourages them to approach fishing boats, piers and anglers. If available, use fish-scrap repositories. If they are not available, discard your fish scraps in a garbage can or at home.

If you do accidentally hook a pelican, you should avoid cutting the line. Gently remove the hook if you feel confident you can do so without causing harm to yourself or the bird. If you cannot safely remove the hook and line from the pelican, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. For a list of wildlife rehabilitators in your area, contact any of the FWC’s five regional offices or consult http://wildliferehabinfo.org/.

For more information on the statewide Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program, visit http://mrrp.myfwc.com.

Women are invited to explore the finest of fishing at the next “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” seminar, hosted May 18-20 at the Pirates Cove Resort and Marine, 4307 Southeast Bayview St. in Stuart.

Held in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” is a national organization dedicated to attracting more women to sport fishing and to promoting conservation and responsible angling.

During the three-day, hands-on event, FWC educators will demonstrate ethical angler habits, such as safe hook removal, release techniques, fish venting and more. Local fishing guides will provide instruction on fishing techniques and methods.

Past participants found the event worthwhile.

“Being able to pick, choose and move between skill stations was terrific,” said Mary Hackney of Naples. “I loved the flexibility.”

“I learned more about fishing in two days than from my dad in 20 years,” said Georgia Allen of Bonita Springs.

On the final day of the seminar, women may embark on an optional fishing adventure.

To learn more, visit ladiesletsgofishing.com, call 954-475-9068 or email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Green anoles, a type of American lizard, are often called American chameleons because they can change color, but they are not chameleons at all.

These anoles are the only native lizard in the southeastern United States that changes color, but it is only from bright green to brown or gray. Usually their change in color is due to stress but also to temperature and mating. Males extend a bright pink dewlap (a piece of skin that unfolds from its throat) when looking for a mate or when warning other males to back off. Their head-bobs are like pushups and show the female and other males that they are strong.

Mating season starts in the beginning of April and continues throughout the summer months. In South Florida, the mating season is a little longer. If you see a green anole bobbing up and down and showing his dewlap, look around; there may be a female nearby. A female lays one or sometimes two eggs every two weeks, usually in dirt or debris at the base of a plant.

The green anole is the only native anole in the Southeast and is found from North Carolina west to Texas and throughout Florida.

True chameleons, however, live in Africa, Madagascar, Portugal, Spain and parts of Asia. At least two species have been introduced into Florida. They can change to every color of the rainbow because of mood, temperature, habitat, stress, anger and defense. They often blend easily into their surroundings by changing color. Chameleons hold on to branches with their feet and coiled tails. Their long, curled tongues shoot out like arrows to catch prey.

Anoles are small, long and slender. Like the chameleon, they have the ability to cling to objects but only because of a sticky pad on the underside of their toes. Their tails are not coiled but long and thin and can break easily. This is so they can escape predators. When caught by the tail, the lizard squirms until its tail breaks and it can escape to freedom. The confused predator is left with only the tail and wondering where its lunch has gone. Lizard tails will grow back a little.

In southwestern Florida, the dewlap may be gray, white or light green. These populations are a different subspecies or race of green anole.

Watching green anoles is easy. Around homes, they hang from walls, scurry across sidewalks and driveways and climb shrubs, branches and trees. A little anole visits me daily. He perches on a railing outside my office window and bobs his head up and down, showing off his bright pink dewlap. Anoles generally have a territory, so chances are you’ll see one in the same place, day after day. The one I see is missing his tail.

Another anole in Florida that is not native is the brown anole from Cuba. Many times they are confused with the native green anole when the green anole has turned brown. But brown anoles have obvious patterns on their backs and sides. Green anoles typically have no pattern, although a female may have a slightly wavy whitish stripe down her back.

For more information, you can visit http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anolis_carolinensis.html.

Stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 16 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.

Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season unless a special extension is granted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Learn more about the stone crab harvest season by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater” and either “Recreational Regulations” or “Commercial.”

These extraordinary hunts offer large tracts of land with an abundance of game and low hunting pressure. All deer hunts enable you to take only mature bucks with at least one antler having four or more points, one inch or longer. Hunters can take does during archery hunts and, if they draw an antlerless deer permit, also during general gun hunts. This practice of deer management offers hunters excellent chances of taking quality bucks and the opportunity to take a doe on public land. Wild hogs also are legal to take, and there is no size or bag limit on them.

These special-opportunity deer and wild hog hunts take place on Fort Drum (Indian River County), Lake Panasoffkee (Sumter County), Triple N Ranch (Osceola County) and Green Swamp West Unit (Pasco County) wildlife management areas.

Fort Drum has 20 permits available for its seven-day general-gun deer and hog hunt on 20,858 acres; they cost $50, should you get drawn. Lake Panasoffkee offers eight four-day archery hunts on the 8,676-acre tract, which cost $100 each. Triple N Ranch has two seven-day general-gun deer and hog hunts on its 15,391 acres, and each permit costs $175.

Green Swamp West Unit is where James Stovall took the state’s highest-scoring deer on record – a 25-point, nontypical that netted a 206 Boone-and-Crockett score. He took the trophy buck in 1999 after getting drawn for the special-opportunity archery hunt. The area offers archery and gun hunts on 34,335 acres, and permits cost $100 each.

The FWC also has week-long released-quail hunts on the Blackwater Carr Unit in Santa Rosa County. With these hunts, you must bring and release your own pen-raised quail. There’s just one $100 permit available for each of the 16 weeks, and if you’re lucky enough to draw one, you and up to three of your friends will have the entire 590 acres to yourselves.

If you’d like to apply for any of these great hunts, the first thing you’ll need to do is get a 2012-2013 Special-Opportunity Fall Hunt Worksheet – available at MyFWC.com/License.

Beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) on May 1, you can submit your completed application at MyFWC.com/License or at any county tax collector’s office or license agent. The application period runs through June 5.

These coveted permits are issued by random drawing, and you may apply for as many hunts and dates as you like to increase your chances of being selected. You must include a $5 nonrefundable fee for each hunt you apply for, though hunters are limited to drawing only one permit per hunt.

If you’re selected in the random drawing, you have until the deadline specified to pay the cost of the selected hunt. You can do this online at MyFWC.com/License or at any license agent or tax collector’s office. If not, you forfeit it, and it’ll go to the next applicant selected in the random drawing.            

Whether still hunting by yourself or hunting with family and friends for deer, hogs or released quail, the FWC’s special-opportunity fall hunts are just what the doctor ordered for a premium hunting experience.

Sarasota, along with Stuart/Martin County, Monroe County (Marathon and Key West), St. Augustine and St. Petersburg, was chosen as a site for a legislatively directed anchoring and mooring pilot program.

The goal of the program is to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-live-aboard vessels outside the boundaries of public mooring fields. Among other things, this should help promote public access to Florida’s waters, enhance navigational safety and protect the marine environment.

The local government for each participant site is responsible for soliciting public input for its ordinance development process. The city of Sarasota held public input meetings to gather suggestions and information on local problems related to anchoring and mooring in the area.

The FWC’s role is to provide consultation and technical assistance. The Sarasota ordinance has been posted at MyFWC.com/Boating (click on “Anchoring & Mooring”). Members of the public are asked to provide comments through May 16. For more information on the pilot program, visit MyFWC.com/Boating (click on “Anchoring & Mooring”) or call 850-488-5600.

Flagler County is getting new manatee protection zones, which will be in effect from May 1 through Sept. 7 once signs are posted.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) worked closely with Flagler County and other stakeholders to establish zones on the Intracoastal Waterway that will improve manatee protection while limiting the impact on local businesses and boaters.

On Thursday, the Commissioners approved the new manatee conservation measure, which had been published and also discussed at a Feb. 29 public hearing in Bunnell.

“In summer, when the new manatee protection zones are in effect, the time needed for a boater to travel the entire length of the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler County will increase by about 15 minutes,” said Kipp Frohlich, leader of the FWC’s Imperiled Species section.

There will be 2.7 miles of slow-speed zones on the 18.6 miles of Intracoastal Waterway channel within the county.

Manatee protection zones will be posted in these areas:

• near Hammock Dunes Parkway Bridge in Palm Coast;
• near Flagler Beach from the Highway 100 bridge to the Silver Lake area, including the Lehigh Canal; and
• in the vicinity of Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area.

Summer months are when manatees are most likely to be found in the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler County, and that is also the time when increased boat traffic presents a greater risk of injury to manatees. As a result, the manatee protection zones in Flagler County will be in effect annually from May 1 through Sept. 7, to include Labor Day.