THE BLACK BEAR. 
Tue Black Bear is still numerous in many parts of Florida, espe- 
cially near the coast. Contrary to what might be expected, it grows 
as large, if not larger, in Florida than elsewhere in the United States. 
I have killed old males which I believe weighed over five hundred 
pounds, and old hunters have repeatedly told me that they have 
killed them weighing six hundred pounds. Unfortunately, the above 
weights were estimated and the animals were not actually placed 
upon the scales. However, I am satisfied that there is at least one 
bear in Florida alive to-day (or he was last spring) which will tip 
590 
