In Tampa, Florida, tourists and residents are being warned by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office to stay away from bears and to keep their distance instead of trying to approach for selfies.
According to the Facebook page for the sheriff’s department, deputies have been monitoring a bear on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road 83 in Santa Rosa Beach. Onlookers were spotted trying to get close to one seated bear, but he was “clearly not in the mood for pictures.” The bear has shown signs of severe stress.
The office posted the following on social media:
If not friend, why friend shaped? Because this black bear is stressed depressed lemon zest. Please do not approach black bears at any time. Especially Those that are showing aggression like this big fella.
Many area residents are appalled with the number of people approaching the bear, who very well may not be feeling well, and posing to take photos. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has been notified and are responding to the situation.
For those not in the know about black bears in Florida, it is illegal to feed them or leave them food. Officials also recommend securing trash cans, and if a bear approaches yelling or using something that makes loud noises to scare them away.
In Florida, the black bear can weigh between 250 to 350 pounds.
Why don’t people stop assuming they have the right to annoy a wild animal. Sadly, if the bear became aggressive to a human, the bear’s life would be in danger. Let wildlife be wild.
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