Road Ecology Center

The high number of vehicle-bear collisions and the potential impact of these collisions on both humans and bears prompted a re-evaluation of principal roadkill areas for the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented an increasing statewide trend in the number of roadkill bears since 1976. Previous research indicates roadkills are concentrated in particular areas based on several habitat features (Gilbert and Wooding 1996). Additionally, Gilbert and Wooding (1996) suggest the areas with the largest bear populations (Apalachicola, Big Cypress, and Ocala) have accounted for the greatest number of roadkill, particularly Ocala National Forest. Most recently, Gilbert et al. (2001) prioritized “chronic” bear roadkill areas using roadkill data and habitat characteristics. A subset of black bear roadkill locations (May 2001-September 2003) was evaluated as part of a larger study focusing on several variables, including changes in patterns of principal roadkill areas. Using a simple density analysis (ESRI), principal roadkill areas were identified as those areas which have three or more roadkill instances within a distance of one mile. A one-mile buffer was established surrounding each of these identified areas to ensure that all roadkill locations were included. From the established criteria and analysis, principal roadkill areas were defined during the time frame May 2001 through September 2003. These principal roadkill areas were located in Apalachicola, Chassahowitzka, Ocala, and St. Johns. The majority of the principal roadkill areas, similar to previous research (Gilbert and Wooding 1996), were identified in Ocala. Although the results from the 2001-2003 analysis identified a number of principal roadkill areas documented by Gilbert and Wooding (1996) and Gilbert et al. (2001), several segments were no longer classified as principal roadkill areas, and a few new areas were documented. These new results prompted a re-evaluation of the data using the same time frame as Gilbert and Wooding (1996) as well as the full data set (1976-2004) to determine the causes of variation. These results identify trends in the occurrence of principal roadkill areas and determine re-occurring “chronic” areas. This evaluation provides information for managers and planners who must take direct management action in an effort to minimize road impacts on bears.