Don’t poke the bear Published April 18, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Tyndall area is home to a variety of wildlife to include the Florida Black Bear. The Florida Black Bear is most active during the months from March to November. During this time Team Tyndall must be bear aware and do what they can to prevent a bear encounter. Some useful tips to be knowledgeable of during these months are as follows: · Use lock bars or door clips on dumpsters · Do not put garbage cans out at night · Keep garage doors closed · Bird feeders are not allowed in housing · Do not leave pet food outside · Thoroughly clean barbecue grills or store them in garage · Do not approach a bear · Never feed bears In the event of encountering a bear: · Make loud noises · Raise your arms to make yourself appear bigger · Make sure the bear has an escape route · Move pets indoors, pets scare bears · If the bear will not leave, move to your house, car or building · Do not run from the bear, walk away calmly · Do not look bear directly in the eyes, some animals view this as a threat · Do not injure or kill the bear, this is a crime · Call Security Forces Squadron at (850) 283-2254 or Civil Engineer Squadron Customer Service at (850)283-4949 When encountering bears, Airmen must remember that the wooded areas are bear's natural habitat. "Bears live throughout the undeveloped wooded portions of Tyndall," said Wendy Jones 325th CES/Natural Resources wildlife biologist. "These animals are seen most often when this habitat is adjacent to development in areas like housing, the support side of base and Silver Flag areas. Undeveloped areas provide a buffer for the military mission, and are also full of wildlife