POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to remind people that June is the beginning of bear breeding season.
- Bear breeding season began this month
- Residents should avoid approaching bears
- If you spot a bear, contact FWC at (863) 648-3200
There have already been reports of two black bear sightings in Lakeland near the airport.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office received a call on Sunday from a woman living on Ewell Road, and the FWC took a call on Monday from the Drane Field Road area.
FWC encourages people to avoid approaching bears in public and to be aware of potential attractants like garbage, pet food or birdseed.
The FWC says, “During this time of the year sightings are not uncommon, as juvenile bears are leaving the family unit and looking to establish an area of their own. Also, June is the start of bear breeding season and bears may travel more widely in search of a mate.”
The FWC advises if you encounter a bear at close range to remain calm standing upright, back up slowly and do not run.
If you are a resident of Polk County and you spot a bear, please call FWC’s Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200.
For more information about the Florida black bear, visit MyFWC.com/bear.