Young bear leaves one tree in Altamonte Springs for another; FWC monitoring
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."
ORLANDO, Fla. - A young bear that had been spotted in a tree in Altamonte Springs 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."
Young bear wandering around Altamonte Springs
A young bear was spotted in a tree in Altamonte Springs on Tuesday. The FWC, Altamonte Springs Police, and Seminole County Sheriff's Office were monitoring the bear. It's the second bear sighting in recent weeks. The FWC said young bears are beginning to wander away from their mothers' ranges in search of food.
The bear sat about 40 feet high in the tree for hours. FWC officers attempted to tranquilize it and scare it down without success. A group of first responders gathered with a tarp to catch it and even a fire truck lifted its ladder to get a better look.
"I just want to make sure they do it in the most humane way – dart it, drop it on the trampoline, and bring it somewhere and release it, so it can survive," said Helen Fleming, who was watching the bear. "This is not something that they’re used to. We’re in their territory."
When the bear didn't move, officials decided to give it space. It eventually moved from one tree to another, shortly after 11 p.m.
FWC said bears are active during this time of year, and young bears often leave their mother’s home range.
"Typically, if bears are not able to find food, they will move away on their own," the FWC said in a statement.
Officials said residents should always stay aware of their surroundings, keep an eye on their pets, and walk dogs on a short leash.