Florida black bears are growing in the Apalachicola region.

A study found the Apalachicola subpopulation of Florida black bears grew about 11.9% annually from 2016–2019, and researchers link the rebound to legal protections and expanded protected habitat.

Researchers report that a subpopulation of Florida black bears in the Apalachicola area of the Panhandle has been growing. Bears in Florida were listed as threatened and endangered in the mid-1970s when fewer than a few hundred remained. A statewide hunting ban in 1994 and land conservation efforts contributed to population recovery and removal from the state threatened list in 2012. A recent Journal of Wildlife Management study used data from 2016–2019 to measure survival and reproduction in the Apalachicola group. Key findings: - The Apalachicola subpopulation showed an estimated annual growth rate of 11.9% based on 2016–2019 data. - Adult female survival was measured at 91.5%, compared with about 82% for adult female bears in other parts of eastern North America; cub survival was also slightly higher. - Researchers used GPS collars on adult bears and on cubs; collaring cubs involved tracking sedated mothers to above-ground nests and returning them to the den after collaring. - The study authors attribute higher survival and growth to legal protections (including the 1994 hunting ban and prior threatened listing) and to greater areas of protected, undisturbed habitat in Apalachicola. - Florida’s black bears are divided into seven subpopulations, with a statewide total near 4,000; many subpopulations are fragmented by development and other barriers. - The Osceola subpopulation has declined (reported as a two-thirds drop over the prior 10 years in FWC data). Conservationists sought an injunction against reopening bear hunting; a federal judge denied the request, a hunt occurred in December 2025, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awarded permits for both Apalachicola and Osceola. Summary: The study illustrates how legal protection and preserved habitat supported a fast-growing bear subpopulation in Apalachicola. The authors say these results could inform Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission decisions about hunting quotas and conservation strategies. Undetermined at this time.