Bear spotting brings concerns to Jackson County

By: Shelia Mader

A bear spotting in Sneads and Lovedale had the citizens with their guards up recently. It appears bears are being spotted in new places weekly, if not daily. They have long had a very clear presence in Mexico Beach where many Jackson Countians call their home away from home.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers some ‘bear facts’ that include:

·         Are big, powerful animals with rounded ears and short stubby tails.

·         Have 5 toes on each foot and large canine teeth.

·         They weigh between 125-450 pounds when grown.

·         Eat mostly nuts, berries, and insects but they can eat animals too.

·         Have short, curved claws and can climb trees very well.

·         Can smell food more than a mile away.

·         Can see in color and have excellent hearing.

·         Have black fur and a tan or black muzzle. Some may have a white mark on their chest.

Suggestions from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers the following:

·         Never feed bears.

·         Keep garbage away from bears.

·         Never get close to bears.

·         Hiking groups and make noise so you don't surprise a bear.

·         Keep a clean yard.

·         Keep your campsite clean.

·         Never play near garbage dumps or dumpsters.

·         Enjoy bears from a safe distance.

Never feed bears. When a bear gets food from people, it may become dangerous and have to be killed.

If you surprise a bear, don’t turn and run. Move back slowly and always face the bear.

Wave your arms slowly and talk calmly to the bear. Help it figure out what you are.

Never turn your back to a bear – always face the bear.

As more reports come in of bear spotting, we will keep our readers up to date.