PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Bear sightings are rare along the Treasure Coast, but one was spotted recently in a Port St. Lucie neighborhood.
Police posted a video on its Facebook page Tuesday of a black bear swimming in a waterway in the Town Park community.
The video showed the bear exiting the water and then running toward homes.
“As Florida’s black bears become more active this time of year in search of food, occasional sightings in residential neighborhoods can occur,” police said on Facebook. “While seeing a bear may be surprising, it is not necessarily cause for alarm.”
WATCH BELOW: Bear spotted in Port St. Lucie
Police advised if you see a bear:
• Give it plenty of space
• Do not approach it
• Never attempt to feed it
• Keep children and pets away from the animal
• Secure garbage, pet food, bird seed, and other potential food sources
If you unexpectedly encounter a bear:
• Remain calm
• Do not run
• Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight
• Speak in a calm, firm voice
• Allow the bear a clear escape route
Port St. Lucie police said they will continue to monitor the situation and call 911 if you have an emergency.
Florida black bears typically avoid people and will usually move on if they cannot find an easy food source. However, a fatal bear attack occurred last year in rural southwest Florida just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.
The Associated Press reported that Florida’s black bears, which were once threatened, have increasingly wandered into neighborhoods and private property in recent years, especially in more rural areas of north and central Florida.
Residents are encouraged to help prevent bears from lingering in neighborhoods by removing attractants around their homes, police advised.
“If you are letting your dog outside, consider making noise before opening the door and keep dogs on a short leash when possible. Dogs can sometimes trigger defensive behavior from bears, especially female bears with cubs,” police said.
If you feel threatened by a bear, observe an injured or orphaned bear or witness someone intentionally feeding or harming a bear, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, bear sightings are rare for most of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County.
Florida held its first black bear hunt in 10 years last year, which drew sharp criticism from animal advocacy groups despite assurances from state wildlife officials that the population can sustain limited hunting.