Home » FWC: Newest Estimates Indicate There Are Now 4,350 Adult Bears In Florida

FWC: Newest Estimates Indicate There Are Now 4,350 Adult Bears In Florida

By  //  March 25, 2016

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FWC surveyed nearly 11 million acres in Florida

Recently completed scientific estimates of black bear populations in Florida indicate the statewide population is now 4,350 adult bears. This new population estimate reflects how conservation measures have propelled the growth of Florida bear populations from the 1970s level of 300 to 500 bears to their abundant status today. (HuntFlorida Facebook image)
Recently completed scientific estimates of black bear populations in Florida indicate the statewide population is now 4,350 adult bears. This new population estimate reflects how conservation measures have propelled the growth of Florida bear populations from the 1970s level of 300 to 500 bears to their abundant status today. (HuntFlorida Facebook image)

Recently completed scientific estimates of black bear populations in Florida indicate the statewide population is now 4,350 adult bears.

This new population estimate reflects how conservation measures have propelled the growth of Florida bear populations from the 1970s level of 300 to 500 bears to their abundant status today.

The FWC uses the most cutting-edge methods for estimating bear populations.

The agency is one of this nation’s leaders in applying sound scientific methodology to estimate bear populations.

The FWC surveyed nearly 11 million acres in Florida.

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Biologists used barbed wire enclosures containing a small food reward to collect hair samples left behind when the bear squeezed between the wires for the food.

State-of-the art genetic analysis of these hair samples allows them to identify individual bears.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2015 BLACK BEAR STAT SHEET

ABOVE VIDEO: The Florida black bear is a unique subspecies of the American black bear and is the state’s largest land mammal. Black bears once ranged throughout Florida but now live in several fragmented areas across the state. This video discusses the ecology and behavior of the Florida black bear and how people can coexist with them. (FWC video)