Maps 19-20
Date 10/11/19
Permanent Change: Yes
“FTA and the USFS sponsor free bear canister rental on the Ocala National Forest”
Florida Trail users can now rent bear canisters at no cost for overnight trips along the trail. This program is a direct response to negative encounters between FT users and black bears in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. With proper Leave No Trace camping techniques, including the safe storage of food, these instances can be stopped. The safety of trail users and wildlife is a top priority. Canisters are available on a first come first serve basis at the Juniper Springs Recreation Area. A fully refundable cash or check deposit is required at the time of rental. For now canisters must be returned to the Springs.
2023 update: The FTA sponsors a free bear canister rental program! You can check out canisters at Juniper Springs and Salt Springs on the Ocala National Forest. A fully refundable deposit is required to check them out.
