Convert the tips about seeing bears in residential areas of Florida into a FAQ document.

FLORIDA — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding Floridians to be aware of their surroundings as bears become more active this time of year.

If you live in an area with more bears, follow these preventative measures to keep your family and your home safe:

1: Never feed or approach bears

Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people.

It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts.

Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous.

2: Secure food and garbage

Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage, and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.

If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container.

Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.

Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing.

Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes, and remove fallen fruit from the ground.

3: Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders

Remove wildlife feeders.

If wildlife feeders are left up, only put enough food out for wildlife to finish eating before dark and make feeders bear-resistant.

4: Never leave pet food outdoors

Feed pets indoors.

If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding.

5: Clean and store grills

Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.

If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage.

6: Alert neighbors to bear activity

If you see a bear, let your neighbors know.

Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears.

Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure.

If you want to report someone who harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

For more information on bears, visit MyFWC.com/Bear.
Q: Why should you not feed or approach bears in Florida?
A: Feeding bears leads them to lose their natural fear of people. It's also illegal in Florida to leave out garbage or food because it can attract bears. Bears are also dangerous and getting close to them is a big safety concern.

Q: How should you secure your food and garbage?
A: You can store garbage in a sturdy garage or shed or secure it in a bear-resistant dumpster. In addition, you can modify your existing garbage set-up so that it's more bear-resistant. You should also try to put your garbage out the morning of pickup instead of the night before. 

Q: I have fruit trees. How should I keep the bears from trying to eat the fruits?
A: Make sure to pick ripe fruit from trees or bushes and regularly remove any that have fallen to the ground.

Q: How do you protect your gardens, beehives, compost, and livestock?
A: You can protect these areas of your home with electric fencing.

Q: Should I remove my wildlife and bird feeders?
A: Yes you should. If you wish to keep these feeders up, only put out enough food for wildlife to finish eating before nightfall. You can also modify them to make your feeders bear-resistant.

Q: Is it okay to leave pet food outside?
A: If bears have been spotted in the area, do not leave pet food outdoors. It's okay for short periods of time but be sure to bring any leftover food and dishes in after every feeding. 

Q: Can I leave my grill outside?
A: You should always clean and degrease smokers and grills after each use and if it's possible, store them in a sturdy garage or shed.

Q: What should I do if I see any bear activity on my property?
A: If you spot bear activity on your property, alert your neighbors promptly and share your knowledge about how to avoid conflicts with bears. You may also suggest that your local government or HOA's institute ordinances that require trash to be safely secured.

Q: Where can I go for more information on bears?
A: For more information on bears, you can visit the following website: MyFWC.com/Bear

Q: If I see someone harming a bear, what should I do?
A: To report animal abuse, or if you spot someone intentionally feeding them, you may call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).