Be Bear Aware!

Did you know bears can smell things from over a mile away? To protect campers, the Florida black bear and other wildlife, the National Forests in Florida implemented a Food Storage Order requiring proper food, garbage and other "attractant" storage and disposal. These items and other "attractants" must be stored in approved bear-resistant containers, hard-topped vehicles or in “food hangs.” Attractants are items that smell and attract bears such as drinks, cooking grease, toothpaste, toiletries, soap, meat, animal food and trash.

• Store all attractants in an approved bear-resistant container, hard-topped vehicle or food hang.

• Hang all attractants at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from any vertical support.

• Discard all attractants in bear-resistant trash receptacles.

• DO NOT burn or bury any attractants.

• Pack out what you pack in.

To learn more about Florida black bears, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Virtual Bear School.