2009-012 National Forest Bear Policy

Notice No. 2009-012
Submittal Name Michelle Mitchell
Title USDA Forest Service
Phone 850-523-8538
Email [email protected]
Map No. 09-Apalachicola West, 10-Apalachicola East, 15-Osceola, 19-Ocala North,
20-Ocala South, 25-Cross Fla Greenway East
Perm. Change? Yes
Effective Date 09/01/2009
Ending Date
Description
The National Forests in Florida has issued the following bear-food storage policy. This policy is
in effect for all three national forests in Florida – Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola.
Tallahassee, FL – To prevent bears and other wildlife from becoming problems at popular
recreation areas in the Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests, the U.S. Forest
Service recently implemented a forest-wide Food Storage policy requiring proper storage and
disposal of food, garbage and other attractants.
The policy, which took effect June 30, requires all forest visitors to properly store, possess or
secure food, garbage and other attractants so that they are not easily accessible to wildlife.
Attractants include anything having an odor that may attract bears, such as food, beverages,
cooking grease, toothpaste, toiletries, soap, game meat, pet food, livestock feed or garbage.
According to the policy, all food, garbage and attractants must be properly stored in bear resistant containers or hard-sided vehicles, or properly disposed of in bear-resistant trash
receptacles. Items may also be suspended in “food hangs” at least 10 feet above the ground
[and at least 4 feet from the trunk of a tree]. Burning or burying any food, garbage or attractants
are prohibited.
The U.S. Forest Service has taken additional measures by installing bear-resistant trash
receptacles at recreation areas and ordering bear resistant dumpsters for a number of camping
areas.
Visitors who do not follow the order can be fined.
With increased outdoor activities, it is not uncommon for visitors to occasionally observe various
animals, especially Florida Black Bears. There are an estimated 2,000 black bears living in the
National Forests in Florida, with the Ocala National Forest’s Juniper Wilderness area consisting
of the highest concentration.
Visitors and forest residents should take the actions listed above to prevent bear problems and
alert the campground host or District Ranger Offices if a bear is present in or around camping
and recreation areas. Most often, if attractants are removed, bears will move on and not return.
A full version of this policy statement and a Bear Aware Fact Sheet can be found
at:http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/documents/news/08-25-09.php
For more information on Florida black bears, visit http://www.MyFWC.com/bear.