Team Tyndall: be bear aware Published June 7, 2013 By Ashley M. Wright 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Bears are waking up from winter and in some cases walking into public areas on Tyndall. The 325th Civil Engineer Squadron is working to keep Tyndall families bear aware and safe, said Lt. Col. Brian Stumpe, 325th CES commander. "We are tracking about 24 bears on Tyndall," the colonel said. "Normally, they are active from dusk until dawn looking for a food source." The Black Bear typically feeds on berries, nuts and seeds, but the smells of leftovers in trash cans on the side of street can send them into the more populated areas of base especially during their active months of March through November. There has never been a predatory attack by a bear on a person in the state of Florida, Colonel Stumpe said. If a person should encounter a bear, the following is recommended: -- Call 325th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron at 283-2254 -- Make loud noises like shouting, clapping or using car horn, air horn or whistle -- Raise your arms to appear larger -- Move pets indoors as they scare bears To help avoid contact with bears, the following is recommended: -- Don't put garbage cans out at night -- Keep garage doors closed -- Don't place bird feeders near house -- Put dog food inside at night