Video above: Black bear discovered shot to dying in Florida neighborhood
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents in Florida have been urged to deliver all pets indoors and steer clear from a bear after it was noticed heading towards a river on Sunday.
The Cape Coral Police Division mentioned the bear was noticed close to Cornwallis Parkway and headed towards the river.
Whereas the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee is conscious of the bear sighting, the police division is urging residents to maintain their pets indoors and keep away from in search of the bear.
“Please additionally deliver cat meals or pet food inside that will entice the bear,” police wrote on social media. “LEAVE IT ALONE. Do NOT attempt to take photos. Do NOT attempt to go discover the bear.”
The Cape Coral sighting comes after an almost 500-pound black bear was discovered shot to dying in an Apopka man’s yard on June 6.
The person mentioned he initially thought the bear had been hit by a automobile due to the rain. Nonetheless, investigators discovered a bullet gap within the bear’s lung. The FWC continues to be investigating the incident.
CCPD additionally reiterated to not go in search of the bear after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a invoice Friday making it authorized for individuals to kill “crack bears” in self-defense.
The invoice permits residents to shoot bears deemed “an imminent menace” to guard their households and pets in “case of a bear assault.”
It’s unlawful to deliberately feed bears, depart meals or rubbish out to draw them in Florida. To forestall bear sightings, officers advocate securing trash cans. Folks may also scare bears away by yelling, utilizing an air horn, or anything that makes numerous noise.
Anybody who feels threatened or sees any injured, orphaned, or lifeless bears, is urged to name the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.