VIDEO: USDA Forest Services Reminds Citizens To Be Bear Aware In Florida
By Space Coast Daily // December 17, 2015
what to do if you encounter a black bear
ABOVE VIDEO: This bear awareness video is designed to inform visitors on what they should do if they encounter a black bear in one of the National Forests in Florida. This video also covers the Supervisor’s Food Storage Order.
The Florida black bear is a subspecies of the American black bear that has historically ranged throughout most of Florida and southern portions of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.
The large black-furred bears live mainly in forested areas and have seen recent habitat reduction throughout the state.
Florida black bears are typically large-bodied with shiny black fur, a light brown nose and a short stubby tail.
A white chest patch is also common on many but not all the bears.
It is currently Florida’s largest terrestrial mammal with an average male weight of 300 pounds and a few have grown above 500 pounds.
Females generally weigh less and on average are about 198 pounds.
Average adults have a length of between 4 feet and 6 feet, and they also stand between 2.5 feet and 3.5 feet high at the shoulder.