The Florida Black Bear is a distinct subspecies of the American Black Bear that was nearly extirpated from Florida by the 1970s but has recovered substantially since hunting was prohibited. It is larger than many other black bear subspecies and is commonly all-black without a brown muzzle. Urban Florida black bears have adapted to suburban environments and are frequently encountered rummaging through garbage cans.
Best time to see a Florida Black Bear
The best time to see a Florida Black Bear is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,275 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Florida Black Bear? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Florida Black Bear sightings near you
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Spotted a Florida Black Bear?
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