Bears at EARS

Our Bears – Playful, Relaxed, and Full of Personality

The brothers Adam and Rudy came from Pensacola where their mother had been hit on the road and they were too young to live on their own. Mikey came from Longwood after digging in a dumpster for food and human interaction was inevitable and was brought to us by FWC at about 50 pounds. Keep in mind it is always human error which forces Florida black bears into captivity. We are moving into their habitat and have the nerve to think we deserve to be there and they don’t. Whether hit by a car or humans feeding them either intentionally or by leaving garbage out, bird feeders or dog food bears will come to feed. We must learn how to live with our wildlife and not expect them to move out of their home because we want to live there. All our wildlife deserves to coexist with us, including raccoons, opossum, foxes, coyote bob cats and our beautiful black bears.

Bears in Captivity: Why They Need Sanctuary

Bears may seem resilient, but in captivity, they face unique challenges that can lead to long-term stress or health issues. Many of the bears who find their way to sanctuaries like EARS were:

Kept in cramped cages without access to natural behaviors like foraging, climbing, or swimming
Exploited for entertainment or roadside attractions
Malnourished or improperly fed
Subjected to breeding programs that prioritize profit over welfare

Sanctuaries provide the large, secure habitats, proper diets, and enrichment activities that bears need to live healthy, fulfilled lives.

Life at EARS for Our Bears

At EARS, our bear habitats are designed with the animal’s comfort, health, and instincts in mind. This includes:

Access to water features for swimming, cooling off, and even bubble baths
Seasonal enrichment like pumpkins in the fall and frozen treats in the summer
Room to roam with natural ground for digging, trees for shade, and climbing structures
Social opportunities for those who thrive in the company of other bears

Every day, our care team ensures they have fresh food, clean water, and activities to keep them engaged.

Diet and Favorite Treats

While bears are omnivores in the wild, our rescued bears receive a carefully balanced diet tailored to their health needs. Fresh produce, protein sources, and enrichment feeding keep them physically healthy and mentally stimulated.

Watermelon is a sanctuary favorite — refreshing, sweet, and hydrating during Florida’s hot months. Bubble baths are another hit, offering cooling fun and skin health benefits.

About Bears in the Wild

Species cared for at EARS: While our residents’ specific backgrounds vary, many come from species like American black bears.
Range: Black bears are native to North America, but captive bears often come from private ownership situations, unlicensed facilities, or failed zoos.
Lifespan: In the wild, bears may live 15–20 years; in sanctuary care, they can live longer with proper medical attention.

In the wild, bears spend much of their day foraging, exploring, and marking territory. In captivity, if they’re denied these behaviors, they can develop stress-related health problems — one reason why spacious, enriched sanctuary environments are so critical.

Why Your Support Matters

Bears require large, secure habitats and a steady supply of fresh food — both of which are expensive to maintain. Veterinary care for large mammals is specialized, and enrichment supplies must be regularly replaced to keep them stimulated.

Your donations, sponsorships, and tour visits help us provide:

Fresh produce, protein, and enrichment treats like watermelons
Habitat upkeep and expansions
Medical checkups and treatments for aging or injured bears
Care staff who understand species-specific needs

If you love animals and want to help the animals at EARS, donate today.

Ways to Help Our Bears:

Sponsor a Bear: Provide ongoing support for their food, habitat, and medical care
Visit on Tour Day: See their playful personalities in action during public or private tours
Make a One-Time Donation: Every dollar directly supports the animals’ care
Share Our Mission: Raising awareness helps prevent future exploitation and neglect

A Future Worth Protecting

At EARS, our bears are free to live as they choose — exploring, playing, lounging, and simply being bears. With your help, they will never again face confinement, exploitation, or neglect.

Their love for bubble baths, watermelon feasts, and lazy afternoons with friends reminds us that every rescued animal deserves not just survival, but the joy of living.