Workshop on Bears in Santa Rosa County

Rep. Doug Broxson and FWC Officials
Plan Workshop on Bears in Santa Rosa County
 
 
MIDWAY – Due to the recent rise in bear encounters in Santa Rosa County, Representative Doug Broxson (R–Midway) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are hosting a public workshop for area residents to learn how to protect their home and property from bear intrusion.
 
After dwindling to as few as 300 bears in the 1970s, the Florida black bear population has rebounded to more than 3,000 bears today. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has reported a dramatic increase in bear reports from Santa Rosa County.  In 2002, there were ten such calls, and in 2012, that number had grown to 386 calls.  Representative Broxson stated, “As Santa Rosa County’s population has increased over the last decade, so has the bear population. As a result, the presence of bears in residential areas is higher than ever. We must address the property damage and safety concerns of residents.” 
 
Officials from the FWC will answer questions and discuss preventative measures homeowners can take to reduce the likelihood of a bear encounter. The details of the meeting are listed below.
 
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 @ 6:00 p.m.
Pensacola State College – South Santa Rosa Center
5075 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL, 32563