Yes, We Have Bears In Florida! ... By the mid 1970's, bear range decreased to 18% of its historic range, with bear populations remaining in several core areas of large public lands. Today, bears have re-occupied 49% of their historic range.

How common are bears in Florida?

Florida black bears, Ursus americanus floridanus, currently inhabit 45% of their historic range but bear sightings are on the rise. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) estimates there is currently a robust bear population with at least 4,050 bears living in Florida as of 2016.

Are Florida black bears aggressive?

Bear Encounters

Although Florida black bears aren't typically aggressive, they're large (they're Florida's largest land mammal), strong, and can react when provoked. Bears should be given their space.