Sowal BlackBear

[beachmouse]

The black bear population on Eglin Reservation seems to have exploded in recent years, and there have been a lot more bear-human interactions within a couple of blocks of the reservation boundary than there used to be, especially between Niceville and Navarre. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if you had them hoofing it south on 331 under cover of darkness in search of more territory, and there is a lot of conservation in SoWal that makes for good bear habitat. (Topsail Hill, Point Washington SF)

 

[NotDeadYet]

I know this link has been pasted here before in other threads, but it's worth another look, or a first look if you haven't seen it yet.
Nokuse Plantation
Check out the maps, and the goals. The Florida black bear is an "umbrella species." They need a lot of room to roam, and Nokuse links up large areas of bear habitat. This site also has lots of cool info on other wildlife and plants and the panhandle ecosystem.