Officials investigating bear in tree in Ocoee neighborhood

OCOEE, Fla. - A FOX 35 viewer sent us a video and photographs of a bear in a tree in Ocoee.

Susan Ratcliff spotted the bear sitting in a tree on Balboa Drive in Orange County. FOX 35 News has contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more information. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Central Florida is no stranger to bear sightings and encounters, and it shouldn't come as a shock. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said the largest concentration of bears comes from the Ocala National Forest and St. Johns River basin.

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FWC said it wants to educate people on things to do to help better understand bears and ways to deter them from continuing to come into our neighborhoods.

If you have any dog food outside, bring it inside. The same goes for bird feeders. If you use a grill, clean those too. The smoke can attract bears to be curious. Most importantly, make sure your trash is secured.

Statewide numbers show that about 40% of bear calls are general interaction calls, while 30% are about bears in their garages.

FWC said if you see a bear in a neighborhood, clear the area and allow bears to find their way out. They will likely come down or out alone when it's clear and dark. 

Do not approach a bear. Instead, contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922)