Residents of a Tampa neighborhood were in for an unusual surprise at dawn this Saturday: a black bear was seen wandering freely through an apartment complex on Tampa Shores Boulevard, before moving on to another area in Town 'n' Country, within the same Hillsborough County. The bear then perched in a tree while authorities scrambled to capture it.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported that the black bear was first spotted running through a residential complex in Tampa early Saturday morning. When deputies arrived, the bear had already made its way to a neighborhood in Town 'n' Country, where it climbed a tree and stayed for the rest of the day, yawning and curiously watching onlookers.
Trappers set out muffins and other pastries in a cage to lure and capture the bear alive, but the bear wasn't fooled. According to media reports, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed in a statement at 10 p.m. on Saturday that the bear had left the tree briefly in the afternoon but later returned, climbing a different tree.
Eventually, the bear came down again on Sunday morning and, avoiding the traps set for it, continued its journey to an unknown destination. The FWC indicated that its personnel have set up several traps to relocate the bear to a safer location, likely the Ocala National Forest.
"Our bear biologists are monitoring the situation," the institution stated. "It's best to allow bears to move on their own. However, due to this bear's difficulty in finding its way, FWC staff have placed traps to safely relocate it."
Bear Activity in Spring
Experts explained that black bears typically become active in the spring, with younger bears searching for territory, as noted in a report by WFLA. During this time, people are advised not to feed bears and to secure any food sources to keep them away from human populations.
The FWC warned residents that if they see the bear, they should avoid it and call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Additionally, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any sightings to 813-247-8200.
Reports of bears in residential areas have occurred in Florida in recent years. In mid-July 2023, authorities in Homestead used donuts to lure and capture a black bear that had been wandering a neighborhood in Miami-Dade for over 24 hours, causing fear among residents. Another bear stole an Uber Eats delivery from a porch in Longwood, Orlando, moments after the driver dropped it off. An adult bear also spent the night at the entrance of a house in Naples, with its peaceful nap caught on the homeowners' security cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Bear Sightings in Florida
Given the recent increase in black bear sightings in residential areas of Florida, here are some frequently asked questions to help residents stay informed and safe.
What should I do if I see a black bear in my neighborhood?
If you see a black bear, avoid it and do not attempt to feed it. Contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.
Why are black bears becoming more active in the spring?
Black bears become more active in the spring as younger bears search for new territories. This increased activity often results in sightings in residential areas.
How can I keep black bears away from my property?
To keep black bears away from your property, secure any potential food sources, such as garbage, pet food, and bird feeders. Avoid feeding the bears and keep your surroundings clean.