Black bears are a regular presence at Hurlburt Field in Okaloosa County, and the base is responding with a formal program to monitor the animals and train personnel on how to handle encounters safely. Wildlife biologist Desirae Minns tracks the bears' movements and eating habits using a network of cameras set up across the installation.
Minns says camera footage and other recordings confirm that more than 15 bears routinely pass through the base — and the number is growing. Hurlburt's close proximity to the natural, wooded sections of Eglin Air Force Base makes it an easy hunting ground for food-seeking bears, with residential trash being the biggest draw. Minns conducts regular trash surveys to document which cans have been raided and identify problem areas.
To reduce bear attractants, Minns encourages everyone on base to use bear-proof trash cans, avoid overfilling them, and keep bags from piling up on the side. She partners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to spread that message through ongoing education efforts on base.
Security forces have also received training on how to respond if they come face to face with a bear. Minns notes that black bears tend to be shy — making noise to alert a bear of your presence is usually enough to send it on its way. Her broader message is one of coexistence: bears aren't going anywhere, and learning to live alongside them is the only realistic path forward. Anyone who spots or encounters a bear on base is encouraged to report it to Minns or the FWC.
This story was originally reported by WEAR-TV.
