FWC says black bear encounters with people have steadily climbed over the past 15 years. There have been a total of 43 since 2006 in Florida, including the one on Monday .
Experts warn it's a reminder for people, especially those who live near wild areas, to stay alert.
"Our core conflicts are things like bears getting onto screen enclosures or getting in the trash. We that that seems to be stable across the state. A lot of that is us doing educational outreach, trying to teach people how to live in areas with bears," said Mike Orlando, FWC bear management program director.
Experts say bears have a natural fear of humans. While it's uncommon, there are multiple reasons why a black bear would attack: they're protecting themselves, their cubs, or maybe see an easy target.
"Just to start with, dogs, you know, dogs and bears really just don't get along. We see that throughout the state. You know, they really don't like each other. So we do have conflicts with dogs quite frequently. The issue with a person being not only injured but killed by a bear is extraordinarily rare," said Orlando.
As bear encounters rise, FWC will talk in two weeks on bringing back regulated black bear hunts in Florida. Bear advocates like Tom Mooney argue that hunting distracts from addressing the root causes of human-bear conflicts.
"When you're in an area where bears reside, it's like being in the ocean where sharks swim. I don't recommend getting on a little boogie board and paddling and looking like a fish. So an ounce of prevention is worth a pound to cure. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail," said Mooney.
If you come face to face with a black bear, stand your ground. It also helps to carry noise-makers like an airhorn to scare the bear before it gets too close.
"If you have small dogs or small children, pick them up. Make yourself look large. If a bear is touching you, you need to fight back," said Orlando.
FWC is looking at having the black bear hunt in October to control the bear population, which is estimated to be around 4,000. Opponents plan to protest on May 17th in Naples and Fort Myers ahead of the possible vote.
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