ORLANDO, Fla. -- State wildlife officials are trying to avoid having to euthanize nuisance bears that pose a threat to residents.

According to the latest numbers from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, black bear run-ins have doubled in residential areas since 2000. In 2007 alone, there were 2,675 reported cases.

Before, wildlife officers would shoo the bears back into the woods. But today, the animals have a greater chance of being shot by residents or euthanized by wildlife officers.

Bear population appears to be on the rise. The conflict, experts say, is that the state's rapid growth is spreading development into bear habitat areas.

The wildlife commission is advising residents to help them avoid having to euthanize the bears by learning how to keep them away and not providing food for the animals.