Commissioners in Seminole County are considering an ordinance that would require new signs to warn people about bears.
At a meeting on Tuesday, county commissioners will discuss the rule, which would require new subdivisions and apartment complexes within the Urban Bear Management Area to install and maintain “Bear Awareness Signage” to inform families of the potential for bear encounters.
If approved, developers or builders would be required to place signs at the entrance and exit of new neighborhoods and complexes, and in a common area, like a park.
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Rebecca Hammock, the director of Development Services, spoke to News 6 before Tuesday’s meeting to explain how the county hopes to get results.
“It’s a way to make sure people are aware that they are in, or potentially buying in, to a high bear activity area,” said Hammock. “And making sure that they know there are regulations in the county that govern that.”
Seminole County has seen a decline in the number of bear-related calls in recent years, according to data kept by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
In the fall, the bear program coordinator for FWC, Mike Orlando, gave a presentation to commissioners where he revealed the county has gone from No. 1 or 2 for bear-related calls for all 67 counties in the state, down to No. 7.
Orlando attributed the decline to the county’s efforts to use bear-resistant trash cans and educate residents about living with bears.
Commissioner Andria Herr, who represents District 5, says they hope to continue those educational efforts with the new bear awareness signs.
“I moved to this area from the Longwood area where we had two acres. I felt like I was living out in the wilderness, but that is nothing compared to the Markham Woods corridor,” said Herr. “I had an experience when I first moved in. I learned that the bears in my neighborhood really like lasagna, and that sounds like it may be from a bad cartoon, but I learned the hard way.”
Herr also said the county has worked with community stakeholders in recent years to find ways to ensure families can live alongside wildlife responsibly. The awareness signs have to be in meaningful places to be effective, which is why they would be installed at new subdivisions and multi-family apartment complexes.
Hammock said they’re designed to reach people who are moving into the area, so they know to keep an eye out for bears.
“It would be for new residents who move to Seminole County, or people who live in Seminole County who aren’t familiar with Urban Bear Management Area,” Hammock said.
The Urban Bear Management Area, or UBMA, is northwest of the I-4 corridor in Seminole County. Specific neighborhoods include Heathrow, Alaqua, and near Orange Boulevard.
You can find out if you are within this area, and what guidelines there are for trash and recycling collection, by clicking here.
If commissioners sign off on the proposed ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting, it will take effect as soon as it’s certified by the state.
In addition to securing food, garbage, and recycling, remember these bear tips:
- Never feed or approach bears. Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food alters their behavior. It teaches them to approach homes and people and see us as a source of food.
- Remove or modify bird feeders. Remove or modify bird and wildlife feeders to prevent bears from reaching them. Ensure the ground is free of feed debris.
- Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors or bring food dishes (even empty ones) inside at night. Store food indoors, as well.
- Pick up fallen fruit. Remove fallen fruit from fruit trees to avoid attracting bears to your property.
- Clean and store grills. Remove grease and food particles from grills after each use. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area.
- Report bear activity. Report human-bear conflicts to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 352-732-1225 or online at myfwc.com as soon as possible.
- Learn more. Request a presentation from the FWC for your HOA or community group. Email bearevents@myfwc.com for more info.
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