Camera traps at Fox Lake Sanctuary in Titusville captured black bears between December 2024 and June 2025, showing the species is becoming more common in Brevard County. The Florida black bear was removed from the state's threatened species list in 2012 after conservation efforts helped stabilize its numbers. A 2023 study by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found the bears' range has grown significantly since the 1990s. The research showed occupied bear habitat increased from 17% of Florida in 1993 to 51% in 2020, with much of the expansion occurring around Central Florida's core populations. Local wildlife officials say the growth is due to habitat protection and reduced human encroachment in key areas. The study also noted that Brevard County's population is part of a broader trend across the state. Michael Knight, a Brevard County photographer, has documented bears at Fox Lake Sanctuary for several years, noting more frequent sightings in recent months. Biologists attribute the rebound to successful management programs and the bears' adaptability to different environments. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to monitor the population through camera traps and tracking efforts. With their range now covering more than half the state, black bears are becoming a more visible part of Brevard's natural landscape.