Becoming BearWise
‘When an entire neighborhood comes together to take responsibility to be BearWise, they are taking the most effective step to reduce community-wide conflicts.”
David Telesco, Bear Management Program Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
NEW: Free Artwork
BearWise Placemats for Kids
Perfect for Restaurants in Bear Country
Email us your name, the name of your restaurant and where you are located (city and state) and we’ll send you a hi-res PDF file of this 17×11 double-sided placemat. Your local printer can add your restaurant name and even a kids’ menu to the front panel.
Examples of Neighborly Coexistence with Black Bears
Numerous communities throughout North America apply BearWise practices. The result? Fewer bear conflicts.
A few examples from Florida:
Hurlburt Air Field in Okaloosa County lessened human-bear conflicts by 70%.
Wingfield North in Seminole County; St. Teresa and Alligator Point in Franklin County; and Ave Maria in Collier County all saw bear conflicts drop soon after adopting BearWise practices.
Hog Wild BBQ in Carrabelle, secured their restaurant dumpster with modified lids. This action cut the number of bear encounters significantly.
Why Be BearWise?
First and foremost, BearWise communities reduce human-bear conflicts.
BearWise communities are not only safer for people and bears, they also can avoid liability if a person is injured by a bear.
How to Create a
BearWise Community
Step 1: Investigate
Are Bears Getting Into Garbage & Other Food?
Look for garbage, birdfeeders, pet food, and greasy barbecue grills that attract bears craving calories.
Are Local Authorities Getting Calls?
Consult with fish and wildlife biologists, conservation officers or law enforcement officers to assess bear issues in your community.
Step 2: Organize
Talk to Your Neighbors and Organize
Discuss bear issues with your neighbors. When ready to take action, contact your local fish and wildlife agency, community leaders and trash haulers.
Some states may offer a BearWise certification program that offers benefits for participating communities. Check with your state wildlife agency.
Step 3: Act
Tap into BearWise Resources
Neighborhood groups and communities can use the tools and techniques pioneered by bear-resistant communities. See the many resources below.
Also visit our Six BearWise Basics.
BearWise Toolkit
Examples of BearWise Ordinances
Many BearWise Communities drafted and passed ordinances (i.e. regulations) that support BearWise behavior. The ordinances address such issues as wildlife-resistant trash storage, pet food storage, necessity for clean barbecue grills and bear-resistant deployment of bird feeders.
Sample BearWise Ordinance (Florida Wildlife Commission)
Orange County, Florida – Bear Ordinance
Missoula, Montana – Garbage Ordinance pertaining to bears
Boulder, Colorado – Bear Ordinance
Examples of Bear Signs
BearWise communities don’t have to start from scratch. Here’s a slideshow with a few great ideas to get you started.
Web and Video resources
1-minute Bear Spray Training, video by Craig Boddington for IGBC
30-second Bear Spray PSA, video by Craig Boddington for IGBC
Does bear spray really work? and other FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Bears
How to Use Electric Fencing to Secure Your Outdoor Attractants, video
Books of Bear Wisdom
Living With Bears Handbook, by Linda Masterson
Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance, by Stephen Herrero
Bear-ology: Fascinating Bear Facts, Tales & Trivia, by Sylvia Dolson
