Here are the bare necessities to work as a Florida ‘bear response contractor’

Sarah Wilson
·1 min read

If you’re interested in black bears and helping people avoid conflicts with them, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has the job for you.

Wildlife officials are looking to hire “bear response contractors” in a dozen Florida counties, including Lake, Marion, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The job includes helping residents and businesses avoid conflicts with bears, collecting information from and disposing of dead bears, and setting and monitoring bear traps.

Bear contractors work on an “as needed” basis, which can vary by season, area and year. FWC officials said contractors are paid per activity rather than hourly, meaning the income from contract activities would only supplement existing income sources.

READ: FWC officials share tips on how to protect Florida’s wildlife as activity increases in spring

Officials said interested individuals must: be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends or holidays; use their own vehicle; have the ability to haul a small trailer; and secure their own general liability insurance, which can cost $300 to $1,000 per year.

Click here for more information on how to apply.

READ: Boeing Starliner launch: 10 photos captured by skygazers

Never feed or approach bears, feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people
Never feed or approach bears, feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people
Remove wildlife feeders.
Remove wildlife feeders.
Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
Alert neighbors to bear activity. If you see a bear, let your neighbors know
Alert neighbors to bear activity. If you see a bear, let your neighbors know
Never leave pet food outdoors
Never leave pet food outdoors
Clean and store grills. Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.
Clean and store grills. Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.