Wildlife officials have shut down a county park in hopes to capture a black bear meandering around Safety Harbor.
According to a statement from the county, Philippe Park is closed today while Pinellas County sheriff's deputies, park staff, and members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) attempt to capture the bear.
In the meantime, citizens are asked to avoid the park, and most importantly, to not lose your cool if you happen to meet the bear.
“If you see a black bear, FWC recommends not moving toward the bear,” says the statement. “If encountered at close range, you should remain standing upright, speak to the bear in a calm and assertive voice, slowly back up toward a secure area leaving the bear a clear escape route and avoid direct eye contact. Stop and hold your ground if your movement appears to irritate, rather than calm, the bear. Do not make any sudden movements, run, play dead, climb a tree, or approach or surprise a bear.”
It's believed that the same bear has been moving through Pinellas County neighborhoods over the last few days. The Clearwater Police posted a video today, showing the bear near Curlew Road and Countryside Boulevard early Saturday morning.
This bear was captured on home video near Curlew and Countryside early Saturday, then made its way south to near the Countryside Recreation Center and Misty Springs condos. It was gone, or hiding, when our officers arrived. This morning, the bear was spotted in Philippe Park. pic.twitter.com/Wn2kjqjxTq
— Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) June 1, 2021
The FWC says black bears are found in all 67 counties and there are over 4,000 bears in Florida. As the state's population increases, so do the bear encounters. Last year the agency responded to 5,821 bear-related incidents. Bears are also more active this time year since it's currently mating season, which runs from June to early August.
Any bear sighting can be reported to the FWC’s Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200.
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