Conservation works. Although I am more familiar with the Virginia/Maryland area, in most, if not all, states along the east coast of the USA, black bear populations have been increasing and "colonizing" new (frequently suburban or semi-suburban) areas. Maybe this is what is going on in your neck of the woods. I did a quick check and yes, the pattern holds in Florida, where in the 1970's there was estimated to be only about 300 Black Bears in all of Florida---now, the estimate is more than 4 thousand. Good news in one way, but also a reason to be careful. More on the Florida bears progress here: https://www.fws.gov/southeast/news/2017/04/florida-black-bear-population-continues-to-increase/

I have yet to actually see one (outside of a zoo), but I would be envious if you do so ---safely!