Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Spokesperson Barbara Almario, is shown receiving the Milton Pride tag holder from Sunrise Kiwanis President John Stone. Black bear, Almario explained, are part of our environment here in Northwest Florida, especially around the Blackwater Forest. In 2002, she explained, the count was approximately 3,000 and now they are approximate 6,000 in head count. Bears have 454,000 acres in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area to live. They do not hibernate and if you end up encountering one, stand your ground and most times they will run away. If they just stand, the suggestion is to ease backward slowly. Do not run away. Santa Rosa Sunrise Kiwanis welcomes all to their Wednesday 7 a.m. breakfast meeting at Tanglewood Golf Course where all are welcome. For more information about Kiwanis call 981-7204.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Barbara Almario speaks to Sunrise Kiwanis about Florida bear