Okaloosa County launches proactive wildlife initiative with practical tools for bear prevention

Okaloosa County, Florida – If you live in Okaloosa County, you might want to check your trash can — especially if you’ve ever spotted a bear in your neighborhood. The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners is offering a practical solution for residents: free bear latches, available now while supplies last.

Many parts of Okaloosa County are considered “bear country,” meaning black bears occasionally roam through residential areas in search of easy meals. Trash cans, especially those not properly secured, can be a major source of attraction for these curious animals. In response, the county is giving away bear latches designed to help keep bears out of household garbage.

These bear latches are simple devices that attach to standard trash cans and help prevent wildlife from getting inside. By reducing bear access to food sources, officials hope to decrease the number of bear-related incidents and promote safer neighborhoods — for both people and animals.

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Residents can pick up their free latches at two locations. One is the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility at 80 Ready Avenue in Fort Walton Beach. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second location is the Solid Waste Office at 1759 South Ferdon Boulevard in Crestview, open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

County officials emphasized that these latches are only needed for trash cans — not recycling bins — since recyclables typically don’t include food waste or other items that would lure bears.

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The bear latch giveaway is part of a broader effort to promote wildlife awareness and reduce human-bear conflicts. With spring on the horizon and bears becoming more active, now is a smart time to secure your trash. Supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to act quickly.

WKRG spoke with Okaloosa County officials to better explain how this works.

For those living in bear-prone areas, a small latch could make a big difference.