Florida has a very real bear problem and the state's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been long building on a proactive approach to managing the problem. Will this be enough? As conflict between bears and people rise, many are starting to think Florida will be lifting its ban on hunting black bears soon after 20 years.

Commissioner Brian Yablonski, however, reiterated that the FWC is focusing on a multipronged approach that aims to maintain a healthy number of black bears in the state while at the same time ensuring the safety of the public. He also called on communities to participate in the bear-management effort, mostly by managing garbage as leftovers greatly attract black bears to homes.

"Properly securing garbage and other attractants is the single most important action for reducing conflict situations with bears," explained Richard Corbett, FWC chairman.

Still, the FWC is serious about taking a more aggressive stance to managing bear conflicts, expressing its support for changes in policy that will allow for more drastic removal of bears causing problems and additional options for law enforcement agencies and the public to consider when hazing bears.

While hunting alone will not solve the problem of bear conflict in residential areas, the FWC has given its staff the go signal to develop specific plans involving limited bear hunting in some parts of the state. In terms of managing the bear population, at least, hunting has proven to be effective in other states.

The FWC is also looking for contractors to aid in responding to human-bear conflicts: one for the southern portions of Charlotte County and Lee County and another for the Highlands County area. Contractors who pass the application process will be trained by FWC biologists for proper bear response as they will be assisting in trapping bears and participating in outreaches aimed at educating communities. When needed, the contractors will also help in retrieving carcasses when vehicle collisions happen.

Contractors will be part-timers, hired on an "as needed" basis. How much work being a contractor will involve will largely depend on the volume and severity of conflicts between humans and bears arising in residential areas. As such, applicants must be capable of working flexible hours. They must also have vehicles with the capacity to haul a small trailer and a clean criminal history with zero violations involving wildlife law. Living in or near Fort Myers and Lake Placid is also ideal.

The FWC is accepting applications for contractors until Mar. 16.

Photo: Eric Kilby | Flickr