Bear Cut

Bear Cut is part of Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. It was named after the Florida Black Bear. Within the park there are waterways which lead to the channel. Bear Cut is actually a cut in the land that separates Key Biscayne from Virginia Key. The area separates the Atlantic Ocean from Biscayne Bay too.

It is thought that a hurricane in 1835 was responsible for the land being eroded away in order to create Bear Cut. At the time the land only allowed for a small cut in which the water was four feet deep. The Tequesta People, some of the first natives in the Florida area, lived on the island during this time.

The Florida Black Bear was prevalent during this time too. They were known to live in the swamps and feed off of sea turtle nests. Today it is hard to see any of the black bear native to Florida. They were poached for their skins, as well as to provide a safer area to live. As a threatened species they are no longer hunted and can be seen mostly in Northern Florida rather than on Key Biscayne. Bear Cut is used by locals to reach dive spots, snorkel locations, and to enjoy boating around the keys.