As fall approaches, Florida black bears are packing on the calories to prepare for the upcoming winter. You can help protect both people and bears by securing garbage and other items that could attract these animals to where you live and work.

This time of year, the search for food keeps bears busy up to 20 hours a day as they are looking to increase their body fat for cooler months. Easy meals in neighborhoods are often more convenient for bears than foraging in the woods, which encourages them to stay in the area. However, if food attractants such as garbage, birdfeeders and pet food are not available, bears have no reason to linger, and they typically leave on their own.

By following BearWise tips, you can help reduce conflicts with bears in your neighborhood:

• Secure household garbage in a sturdy shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container.
• Put household garbage out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
• Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
• Protect gardens, bee yards, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
• Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute ordinances to require trash be secured from bears.
• Feed pets indoors or bring the dishes in after feeding.
• Be aware when walking your dog and use a non-retractable leash.
• Clean grills and store them in a secure place.
• Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Remove wildlife and bird feeders or make them bear-resistant.

See how-to videos and information on securing attractants in the “Brochures and Videos” section at MyFWC.com/Bear.

It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or to leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause human-bear conflicts. If you see or suspect that someone is feeding or attracting bears, please call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

Be aware of your surroundings this time of year as you drive in bear country, especially during dusk and dawn, and when there is forest on both sides of the road. If you see a bear crossing sign, pay close attention as these areas have frequent vehicle-bear collisions. To learn more about how to keep people and bears safe on Florida roadways, see the “Vehicle Collisions with Bears” video at the “Brochures and Videos” section of MyFWC.com/Bear. To learn more about living in bear country, go to BearWise.com.