The Florida black bear was removed from the Florida state endangered species list on Friday, a step forward in the recovery of this unique animal.
A subspecies of the American black bear, the Florida black bear population dropped to 300-500 individuals in the 1940s and 50s due to habitat loss, development and excessive hunting. But thanks to improved land management and a serious recovery effort over the past few decades, the population has recovered to between 2,500 and 3,000 bears in total in the state of Florida.
![](https://www.defendersblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Black-bear_Steve-Maslowski_USFWS-199x300.jpg)
The Florida black bear’s removal from the Florida state endangered species list is a sign that recovery efforts for the species are working.
Florida black bears exist in several sub-populations in the state, with 1,000 bears in the largest population and 20 or so in the smallest. The smaller, isolated sub-populations are a concern as habitat fragmentation and development increases in Florida. These bears are wide-ranging animals that travel far to find food, shelter, and mates. That’s why wildlife corridors-natural pathways that link bear habitat areas- are essential to bear conservation.
Defenders of Wildlife established a Florida black bear conservation initiative in 1994 with the Habitat for Bears Campaign, and has since worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on long-term plans for managing and connecting bear habitat throughout the state.
While delisting is a marker of success, the species still needs careful stewardship to ensure that it keeps thriving. As development increases, so do conflicts between bears and communities. Public education about bear-proofing trash cans and preventing dangerous encounters is vital to the safety of bears, people and pets. Continued conservation measures are also needed to ensure the smaller bear sub-populations grow to a sustainable size.
The Florida black bear still has a ways to go before we can say that its recovery is complete, but the delisting is a great sign that this species is on its way. Defenders of Wildlife is proud to have made a significant contribution to the recovery effort for this special bear.
Author
comments
Wildlife & Wild Places
![Get Updates and Alerts](/sites/default/files/styles/original_size/public/2019-04/Sunset-Over-Caribou-Ranch_Jade-Sevelow_2_P8140001.jpg?itok=5cYwVT7p)