Black bear seen in Altamonte Springs has left the area, FWC says

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Update on bear spotted in Altamonte Springs

A young Black bear that was seen in a tree in Altamonte Springs Tuesday has left the area, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a news release Wednesday morning.

A young Black bear that was seen in a tree in Altamonte Springs Tuesday has left the area, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a news release Wednesday morning.

FWC bear biologists, along with law enforcement, were at the scene on State Road 436 to help ensure the animal had plenty of space and residents kept their distance. 

In the late evening, law enforcement helped the bear cross the busy road into a wooded area. 

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Florida bear leaves one tree for another

A young bear that had been spotted in the Altamonte Springs area, in a tree, was on the move late Tuesday. FOX 35 News saw the bear hanging in the tree of a bank's parking lot near Red Lobster on State Road 436. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the bear had been "dispersing and trying to leave the area."

Officials say bears are more active during this time of year as young bears typically leave their mother's home range to try to find a new home. 

To ensure residents do not have conflicts with local bears, the FWC is reminding residents to keep their garbage secured and remove all food attractants around their house. If bears cannot find food, they will typically move on.

If you feel threatened by a bear, you're asked to call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).