According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (January 2008), the number of black bears euthanized as problem animals in the state has risen over the past year. As the once-limited population of black bears in Florida has begun to increase, so have problematic encounters with humans and subsequent euthanasia by wildlife officials, in efforts to avoid more potentially dangerous incidents.                                                              

These increases are attributed to rapid growth of residential development, spreading across the state and extending into what was previously ideal bear habitat. Since human development has begun to encroach on bears' ever-shrinking habitat, human inhabitants have begun to fear encounters with these animals, which can grow to as large as 600 pounds and pose threats to property, pets and even children.

While non-lethal methods are often preferable, such non-lethal methods as trapping and relocating, even when they may be effectively carried out, may not be effective in the least after bears become conditioned to attaining food near residential areas, (rummaging through garbage cans, etc), and thusly euthanizing becomes a more prevalent practice. This Euthanasia often takes the form of shooting, as it is recommended as perceivably the most humane method, and does not pose complications associated with chemical methods, potentially harmful to other wildlife if deceased bears are buried in forest environments. For more information, see the article online at: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-flfbears0127sbjan28,0,7193113.story

The Florida Panther may soon become part of a similar situation, as its numbers are likewise increasing and its habitat dwindles as a result of spreading human development resulting in fragmentation and degradation of formerly suitable habitats. Information on appropriate measures with which to handle such situations may be found on-line at http://www.MyFWC.com/panther and http://www.MyFWC.com/bear.

These large predators are not the only wildlife currently being affected by human encroachment on habitat. More benign Florida wildlife residents such as the Scrub Jay have felt the effects of such human activities as well. According to Highlands Today, citing the Nature Conservancy and the Highlands County Audubon Society in representing the declining numbers of Scrub Jay populations, atributing to degradation and loss of their preferred habitat caused by human impacts. For more information see: http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2008/jan/28/scrub-jay-counts-decline-along-lake-wales-ridge/?news