Bears, coyotes, raccoons: State sees rise in calls for aid due to wild animals

TALLAHASSEE — Bears and coyotes and raccoons, oh my!

As Florida’s population expands, state wildlife officials have seen a more than 33% increase in calls for assistance related to wild animals during the past five years, according to a presentation that could go before the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week.

While no proposed changes are recommended to the agency’s Wildlife Assistance Program, the discussion comes as legislation awaits action by Gov. Ron DeSantis...