Sheriff Says This Florida County Is ‘Overrun’ By Bears

Throughout the last few years, there has been an increase in human-bear interactions across the state of Florida. You might think that bear sightings would be a rare occurrence in Florida, but the Franklin County Sheriff says that Franklin County has become “overrun” by bears. Bear sightings in Florida are becoming more frequent as more people move to the state. These bear sightings are happening across the state even here in Tampa. In June, officials spotted and captured a black bear outside of Tampa airport.

Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Roger Young,  said, “We are currently working to increase our surveillance response, that includes setting traps.” Young also noted that they were working with the agency and Franklin County to find a solution to the situation.

Over the past few weeks, a Franklin County woman had to lock herself into her room after a bear entered her home. Another close encounter, unrelated to the previous encounter, with one of these adventurous bears happened when a woman was trapped in her car when a bear approached her vehicle.

In September, a bear was found in a tree outside of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and was quickly captured with the aid of a local TV station’s helicopter. Some residents of Franklin County believe they would be getting more aid if they were closer to Disney World.

One of the easiest things you can do to keep bear sightings in Florida down, is to always keep your garbage secured and tidy. Bears are looking to get themselves ready for hibernation so they will consume just about anything. Don’t allow your cans to be left outside, especially full of trash. 

Bears are very sensitive to smell, so if you are grilling or having a bar-be-cue, remember to keep it clean because they will catch a whiff and come looking for a free meal. If you have a bird feeder or fruit plants in your yard, you may want to move them inside for the fall until winter hits. 

In the beginning of October, Rep. Jason Shoaf filed HB 87, which would allow people to kill bears without a permit when they feel threatened or “believe such force is necessary”. Bill HB 87 states, "The person reasonably believed that his or her action was necessary to avoid an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to himself or herself or another, an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to a pet, or substantial damage to a dwelling." The Bill is making its round in the House and was added to the second reading calendar on January 31, 2024. If the bill passes, it would take effect on July 1, 2024.

According to Orlando Weekly, the Florida state Director of the Humane Society, Kate MacFall, believes the FWC should focus on improved trash management. Franklin County officials are working with Desantis’ office to find a solution to the problem. Lisa Thompson, the commission spokeswoman, talked about the “BearWise” program and said, “FWC staff are working closely with the community and local officials on solutions to help them address any human/bear conflicts and will continue to be a resource for assistance.” 

[Updated: 2/12/2024]

I have a confession! It's 2023 and I still don't know how to swim. I live near St. Petersburg beach and If I do go, I don't get in the water because I'm scared. Once I learn how to swim, I will feel more comfortable. Luckily St. Pete beach is not the Florida beach that is one of the world's most dangerous places to swim.

Explore.com came out with this list and they state many reasons as to why you shouldn't swim at these places. Some locations have rip currents, polluted waters, big rocks, and many shark attacks.

People still swim at these places on the list below but Explore.com does not recommend it. Use caution when swimming in these locations!  Have you actually been to any of the beaches on the list below? If so, feel free to email me babs@wild941.com.

Explore.com had this to say before they gave us the list of 10 places: "Swimming in cool waters under a shining sun is a simple pleasure. Some incredible swimming spots are protected areas while others are open year-round for people to dive off docks, swim, go on boat tours, and enjoy any way they can. Most are completely safe, but some only appear that way."

By the way, I will learn how to swim before the end of 2023! Once I learn, I still wont be gong to any of the places on this list! Any suggestion on where I can take classes as an adult. Feel free to Email me any places here in the Tampa Bay Area.

Below is a list of 5 places which are some of the worlds most dangerous places to swim. Amongst these 5 places is the Florida beach that is one of the worlds most dangerous places to swim!

Stay Safe.

Chowpatty beach is located in India. It's considered India's most infamous beach. This is because there is so much garbage on the shore. Chowpatty has one of the most polluted sands in the world.  You are putting your health at risk if you choose to get in the water.

Hanakapiai beach is located in Hawaii. It's considered a dangerous place to swim due to the powerful rip currents. The waves are known to sweep people out to sea. If a swimmer does get caught in a rip current, the safest shore area is 6 miles away. 83 people have drowned on this beach over the years!

Condado Beach is located in Puerto Rico. Many people left reviews on trip advisor saying that Condado beach is "very nice but very dangerous." The rip currents here scare people away. There are also big rocks which increase the danger of you getting hurt while swimming on this beach.

West End is located on Grand Bahama Island and is said to have  some of the most shark-infested beaches in the world.  Most diving expeditions in West End guarantee an up-close sighting of Tiger sharks. Tiger sharks can grow and be about 16 feet long.

New Smyrna Beach is located in Florida and its one of the worlds most dangerous places to swim. New Smyrna is known as the shark attack capital of the world! If you come to this beach, be careful while surfing because Florida sharks will attack. The common sharks in New Smyrna are tiger, blacktop and spinner sharks!