Carrabelle to Host May 17 Bear Day

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida and several local groups in Niceville and Carrabelle are joining forces to offer two events where residents can learn about coexisting with Florida's black bears.
On Saturday, May 3, the FWC and the local Audubon chapter are hosting the Turkey Creek Bear Day in Niceville at Turkey Creek Park from noon to 3 p.m. Activities will be located at the north entrance pavilion on West College Boulevard.
On Saturday, May 17, the Carrabelle Waterfront Partnership, the FWC and several businesses will host Bear Day at Tillie Miller Park in Carrabelle, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bear Day is being held in conjunction with the dedication of Tillie Miller Park at 1 p.m. and the Blues in the Park music celebration at 2 p.m.
"Both events are planned so people who have bear problems or who just want to learn more about bears and how to avoid problems can speak to a wildlife biologist," said Jessica Tice, an environmental scientist with FWC Bear Management Program. "Biologists will discuss methods used to reduce problems and ways to increase enjoyment of local wildlife."
Tice said residents who are having problems with bears getting into their garbage may bring their garbage cans to both events so staff and volunteers can help retrofit the cans to be more bear-resistant. If a garbage container can not be retrofitted, a limited number of cans will be given away to the public.
Volunteers will conduct a bear-resistant caddy build-off competition. Participants will be given instructions, along with an example, for making their own bear-resistant container. Tice said the caddies built in the competitions will be donated to the parks to increase recycling and reduce trash problems from bears in the area of Tillie Miller Park and Turkey Creek Park.
Activities and crafts are planned for kids at both events. Kids will have opportunities to learn how to make a plaster cast of bear tracks, touch a real bear hide, play games and color pictures of bears. Drinks and snacks will be provided at both locations.
For more information, e-mail Jessica Tice at jessica.tice@MyFWC.com or call 850-617-6065.