FWC tells Golden Gate man to stop feeding bears

Lots of black bears roam the neighborhoods in Golden Gate Estates. One man said a bunch of these animals are his friends, and he’s been feeding them for a long time. Florida Fish and Wildlife said that is a big no.

FWC gave Dave Schwiderson a notice of non-compliance for feeding black bears this month.

“We love the wildlife,” Schwiderson said. “We love to feed them.”

Schwiderson has a special bond with the bears at his home in Golden Gate.

“We know all the bears,” Schwiderson said. ‘We named almost all of them.”

Schwiderson has lived here almost 30 years.

“We don’t just feed the bears,” Schwiderson. “We fed them all year round. There’s always feed for them and water for any of the animals that come on our property.”

Last month, FWC issued a letter to Schwiderson, educating him that his property is attracting bears. They reminded him that people can’t intentionally feed them. The goal is to reduce human-bear conflicts.

“Now we have to chase them off,” Schwiderson said. “We can’t feed them.”

Schwiderson said it makes him sad. He came to the area for wildlife. At the same time, he understands that he must tweak his tradition for safety.

“There’s really nothing you can do about that,” Schwiderson said. “Growth is coming.”

Change is tough, but Schwiderson could receive a $100 fine if caught feeding the bears again.

FWC said to keep bears away from your home. Feed pets indoors. Protect gardens with electrical fencing, and remove fallen fruit from the ground.