FWC to premiere 'Living with Florida Black Bears' video

News Release

March 4, 2010
Contact: Dave Telesco, 850-922-4330

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will premiere its new, 15-minute, "Living with Florida Black Bears" video during a public workshop Saturday on Okaloosa Island.

The workshop, hosted by the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and Defenders of Wildlife, will take place at the Emerald Coast Conference Center in two two-hour sessions. The first will begin at 9:45 a.m.; the second at 2 p.m.

The FWC will show the video to offer Floridians a glimpse into the life of their own unique subspecies of black bear and how to enjoy living in bear country. The video is part of the FWC's concentrated efforts to reduce conflicts between humans and bears in Florida. Those attending the workshop can sign up to receive a copy when mass production begins.

In addition, David Telesco, FWC black bear program coordinator, will discuss Florida black bear ecology, research and tips on how to coexist with bears.

Additional speakers include biologists from Defenders of Wildlife, Eglin Air Force Base and Nokuse Plantation.