City of Mary Esther issued the following announcement on Aug. 30.
The FWC addresses human-bear conflicts in a variety of ways, including providing technical assistance over the phone, conducting an in-person visit with the resident, using deterrents (such as an electric fence), attempting to scare the bear away, or, in rare cases, attempting to trap the bear.
While most conflicts can be avoided by securing attractants, biologists assess each situation on a case-by-case basis and use FWC policies and guidelines to help decide on the most appropriate response.
The earlier the FWC is notified, the more response options are available. The longer a conflict situation continues, the more likely the bear will develop behaviors that present a risk to public safety, such as entering a dwelling, harming a leashed dog or injuring a person. Once this happens, it is too late to try to change the bear’s behavior and it must be humanely killed.
To report human-bear conflicts during normal business hours (M-F 8-5), please call the FWC Northwest Regional Office at 850-265-3676. In an emergency, or if you suspect illegal activity, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Original source can be found here.
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