Florida black bears don’t have to hibernate to avoid the cold, but they do go into a lethargic state because there is less food in the winter. … Florida black bears don’t have to hibernate to avoid the cold, but they do go into a lethargic state because there is less food in the winter.
How long do black bears hibernate in Florida?
Florida black bears do not hibernate, but rather go into a semi-hibernation state known as torpor. In Florida they may do so only during extremely severe winter weather. Torpor tends to be more common in females who den when they are producing cubs. The female may stay in her den for a few months.
Are Florida black bears aggressive?
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.
What do black bears eat in Florida?
What Does a Black Bear Eat? Bears are called omnivores because they eat both plant and animals. A Florida black bear’s diet varies, but usually consists of 80% plants, 15% insects, and 5% animal matter. The vegetative part of their diet is made up of grasses and leaves, as well as mast.
What do black bears do in winter?
When the weather grows cold and the food supply finally dries up, they will retreat to their winter dens. Males bed down around mid-December and emerge in mid-March; females, which give birth during the winter and stay with their cubs for two years, remain in their dens longer, from late November to mid-April.
Where do Florida bears sleep?
The female may stay in her den for a few months. A den may be made in a variety of situations, including logs, stumps, tree cavities, caves, banks & culverts. Black bears climb well, and some dens may be well above ground level. Many times a temporary nest, or bed, is made on the ground for resting or napping.
Where are there bears in Florida?
Most major populations of Florida black bears live on or near public lands. These include Ocala National Forest, Big Cypress National Preserve, Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
What smells do bears hate?
While bears love anything sweet (yes, even honey) they have often been found to steer clear of anything pine-scented. Bears dislike the scent of any pine-scented cleaners that contain pine. Using pure pine oil or a cleaner that contains pine oil, such as Pine-Sol, will aid in repelling bears.
What do you do if you see a black bear in your yard?
Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices.
What to do when you see a Florida black bear?
What do I do if I see a bear?
- Make sure that you are in a safe area and that the bear has a clear escape route. …
- Do NOT turn your back, play dead, climb a tree or run. …
- Avoid direct eye contact. …
- Report any bear that is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock, or causing property damage to the FWC.
How long does a Florida black bear live?
In captivity, black bears have been known to live into their 30’s.
Is there a bear season in Florida?
Florida wildlife officials will not hold a bear hunt in 2019, but the door remains open for one in 2020. Four years ago, the state held its first bear hunt in 21 years.
Why are Florida black bears important?
Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both vegetable and animal matter. … By protecting the Florida black bear and its habitat, we also protect these other species’ habitats. In this way, everybody gets protection under the umbrella! You see, the Florida black bear is an important part of Florida’s ecosystems.
What happens if you wake up a hibernating bear?
A bear that senses a threat can wake quickly to defend itself. That’s because bears’ body temperatures only lowers by a few degrees when they hibernate. This helps them become alert much faster, compared to other animals.
What triggers hibernation in bears?
Bears enter a lighter state of sleep called torpor. Hibernation is a voluntary state an animal enters to conserve energy, when food is scarce, and minimize exposure to the winter elements. … Hibernation is triggered by decreasing day length and hormonal changes in an animal that dictate the need to conserve energy.
What happens if you wake up a hibernating animal?
If you were to wake up a hibernating animal midwinter, you would be effectively killing it. It would use up so much energy warming itself up in order to awaken that it would have no chance of making it to spring even if it could re-enter hibernation.