Whether their numbers increase, or whether they become more endangered, depends on many factors, such as loss of habitat, drought conditions and human interference. Due to efforts by conservationists, there are signs that the bear population is on the rise. A large number of black bears live in the Ocala National Forest. There, the bears' numbers are increasing. However, with the human population of Central Florida also growing, problems are bound to occur.
Bears frequently wander into areas where people live.
As more and more forests are cleared for development and industry, new roads are built to provide access, and when a bear and a car collide, the bear usually loses. Reports of bears killed on Florida roads are becoming more and more common. Sightings of live black bears are also increasing in Central Florida. Make a list of some other factors you can think of that might affect the population of the Florida black bear-in either positive or negative ways. Check out a News-Journal article about Central Florida's Black Bear Festival to learn more.