FAQs

What will Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission do when I contact them about a bear conflict in my area?: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission follows a policy that includes several steps towards managing bear conflicts. Bear encounters are managed on a case-by-case basis, however there are several options that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission follows in order to manage a bear-related matter.

▼
Urban Bear Management Ordinance

1. What is an Urban Bear Management Area?: An area identified as having a high incidence of human/bear conflicts which necessitates changes in behavior to better protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

The Ordinance requires refuse to be secured at all times except those

days that refuse is picked up by trash haulers. On scheduled garbage

pick-up dates, refuse is required to be secured in a trash can and cannot

be moved from the secure area to the curb for pick-up until 5am (or after).

Once emptied, trash containers are required to be moved back to the

secure location as soon as possible (ideally, by 8pm).

 The Ordinance also requires that other bear attractants be secured.

Attractants include: bird feeders, pet food, unclean grills, fruit trees, and

other food items.

3. Do I have to purchase a bear resistant trash container in order to comply with the Ordinance?: No, the Ordinance does not require residents to purchase a bear-resistant container. However, all residents are required to secure other bear attractants (pet food, grills, bird feeders, etc.).

4. If I currently use a bear resistant trash container, do I have to comply with the set hours for trash pick-up?: Residents who utilize a bear-resistant trash container are not required to comply with the hours for trash pick-up. However, all residents are required to secure other bear attractants (pet food, grills, bird feeders, etc.).

5. My trash is picked up early in the morning. Can I put my trash out for hauler pick-up by my hauler the night before?: You can put your trash out the night before pick-up by your hauler if you utilize an approved bear resistant container. However, trash cannot be put out the night prior to pick-up if you are not utilizing a bear-resistant container.

6. How can I purchase a bear resistant container that is approved by my hauler?: Residents who wish to utilize an auto loading compatible bear-resistant trash can may purchase them from any retailer. For clarification on can compatibility, please contact the Waste Pro at 407-774-0800.

7. How can I manage other bear attractants at my home?: About 50% of the bears in our area will go to-and-from the forest to urban areas to seek food. Once the main food attractant is secured (trash), bears will seek out other food options. It is important residents secure all attractants, not just garbage. These include: Pet food; Fruit bearing trees; Food left on patio; Dirty grills; and Bird Feeders.

8. Who do I do if I have an a bear in my area?: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) is best suited to address your bear issues, visit their website or call (850) 488-4676 to report a sighting.

9. What will Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission do when I contact them about a bear conflict in my area?: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission follows a policy that includes several steps towards managing bear conflicts. Bear encounters are managed on a case-by-case basis, however there are several options that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission follows in order to manage a bear-related matter.

10. How can I learn more about bear management in Florida?: To learn more visit Florida Fish and Wildlife’s website.

11. How do I know if my trash can is considered secure?: The Ordinance defines a Bear Resistant Residential Refuse Container as "a fully enclosed residential refuse container of sturdy construction, with a reinforced lid. The lid must have a latching mechanism that prevents access to the contents by bears. This may be accomplished by either purchasing a automatic loading compatible container from a retailer or by modifying your existing can to comply with the Ordinance. If you are modifying an existing container, you must unlock them when placed at the curb. (for more information on cart modifications click here)

12. Are recycling containers required to be secured as well?: No, all recycled materials should be cleaned of any food residue prior to being placed in the roll out cart. Therefore, there should be no attractant present.