What to do if you encounter a Florida Black Bear.

Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridanus)

On a typical autumn evening in Naples, my dad had a run‑in with a Florida black bear in his condo parking lot. He had just tossed a bag of trash into the dumpster when a bear stepped out from behind a garage about 60 feet away. The moment it saw him, it broke into a run.

Luckily, he was close to a pickup truck and scrambled into the bed just in time. For several minutes, the bear circled the truck while my dad yelled for help and pounded on the cab to scare it off. At one point the bear wandered away, only to turn back and charge again before finally losing interest and disappearing behind another row of garages.

Encounters like this are rare — but they do happen. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference for both your safety and the bear’s.

How to Stay Safe During a Florida Black Bear Encounter

Stay calm and read the situation

Bears are perceptive and can pick up on panic. Take a breath and observe from a safe distance. Is the bear foraging, passing through, or showing signs of stress or agitation?

Give the bear plenty of space

If you spot a bear, keep at least 100 yards between you and the animal. Don’t approach for a photo or try to get a closer look. Quietly back away and let the bear move on.

Do not run

Running can trigger a chase response — and bears are much faster than we are. Instead, back away slowly while facing the bear.

Make your presence known

If the bear hasn’t noticed you, speak calmly so it isn’t startled. If it has noticed you, use a steady, confident voice. Clap or make noise if needed so the bear understands you’re human, not prey.

Avoid direct eye contact

Staring can be interpreted as a challenge. Keep your gaze soft or slightly averted.

Stay together if you’re in a group

Groups appear larger and more intimidating to wildlife. Stick close, stay calm, and move as one.

What NOT to Do if You Encounter a Florida Black Bear

❌ Don’t run

Running can trigger a chase response. Bears are incredibly fast, and sprinting only increases risk.

❌ Don’t scream or make high‑pitched noises

Sharp sounds can escalate the situation. Stick to a steady, calm voice.

❌ Don’t approach for a photo

Even if the bear seems relaxed, getting closer can startle it — and Florida black bears can close distance quickly.

❌ Don’t turn your back

Keep the bear in your peripheral vision while slowly backing away.

❌ Don’t leave food or bags behind

Dropping items can encourage bears to associate humans with food. Keep your belongings with you as you retreat.

❌ Don’t try to “shoo” the bear like a pet

Bears don’t respond like domestic animals. Give them space and avoid sudden movements.

Seeing a Florida black bear can be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment — thrilling, surprising, and unforgettable. By giving the bear space and responding calmly, you help protect both yourself and one of Florida’s most iconic native animals.