Florida is home to a growing black bear population that has increased over 50% in the past decade. To ensure safety for both wildlife populations and Florida residents, the FWC is looking for bear response contractors to assist in bear encounters and research.
Black bears are one of the most incredible animals you can find in the wild in Florida. These magnificent creatures live in the forests and state parks of Florida, and in most cases are completely harmless. However, caution must be taken when interacting with a bear for any reason, as they have the capability to harm people and pets when feeling threatened.
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Black bears are typically not a problem for Florida residents, but the FWC still invests in conservation and safety measures to maintain a healthy relationship between wildlife and human populations in Florida. In order to do so, they employ a sector of the population to act as Bear Response COntractors on an as-needed basis to handle bear sightings, resident calls, and more.
In recent years, Florida has seen a dramatic increase in bear populations across North, Central, and the Panhandle of Florida. From 2002 to 2015, population increases have been reported as follows:
- West Panhandle – 120 bears (50% increase)
- East Panhandle – 1,060 bears (86% increase)
- North – 500 bears (92% increase)
- Central – 1,200 bears (17% increase)
- Statewide Total – 4,050 (53% increase)
What are bear response contractors?
If you are interested in learning more about this incredible animal and helping people avoid conflicts with black bears in state arks and their private property, you might be a great fit as a bear response contractor for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Bear response contractors will be trained to assist with various bear conservation efforts, including but not limited to:
- Helping residents and businesses avoid conflicts with bears
- Collecting information from and disposing of dead bears
- Setting and monitoring bear traps
The FWC is looking for part-time contractors to help respond to human-bear conflicts in Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Okaloosa, Orange, Santa Rosa, Seminole, Volusia and Walton counties. Bear contractors will work on an “as needed” basis, which can vary by season, area and year. Contractors are paid per activity rather than hourly.
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Interested individuals must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays; use their own vehicle; have the ability to haul a small trailer and secure their own general liability insurance, which can cost $300 to $1,000 per year.
People interested in becoming a contractor should send their resume, contact information, counties of interest and three professional references to BearManagement@MyFWC.com or FWC, Bear Management Program, 620 S. Meridian St. 6A, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
This poses a wonderful opportunity for nature enthusiasts to connect to their local wildlife and help the FWC keep both Floridians and the black bear population safe. For more information on the FWC’s Florida Black Bear Management Program and the bear response contractor program, visit MyFWC.com/Bear.
