A black bear was spotted June 2 in the Town Park community of Port St. Lucie, according to police officials.<\/p>\n
Florida\u2019s black bears become more active this time of year in search of food, according to police, and occasional sightings in residential neighborhoods can occur and aren\u2019t necessarily cause for alarm.<\/p>\n
If you see a bear, police and wildlife officials advised the following:<\/p>\n
Never attempt to feed it.<\/p>\n
Keep children and pets away from the animal.<\/p>\n
Secure garbage, pet food, bird seed, and other potential food sources.<\/p>\n
If you unexpectedly encounter a bear:<\/p>\n
Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight.<\/p>\n
Speak in a calm, firm voice.<\/p>\n
Allow the bear a clear escape route.<\/p>\n
Florida black bears typically avoid people and usually move on if they can\u2019t find an easy food source, according to officials. Residents are encouraged to help prevent bears from lingering in neighborhoods by removing attractants around their homes.<\/p>\n
St. Lucie County: School bus driver arrested after second student allegations<\/a><\/p>\n Fort Pierce: Arrest made in homicide of person found dead inside tent encampment<\/a><\/p>\n When letting dogs outside, consider making noise before opening the door and keeping dogs on short leashes when possible. Dogs can trigger defensive behavior from bears, especially female bears with cubs.<\/p>\n If you feel threatened by a bear, observe an injured or orphaned bear, or witness someone intentionally feeding or harming a bear, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission\u2019s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.<\/p>\n Florida black bears are the only bear species in the state, according to the Florida Wildlife Federation. They\u2019re found throughout many habitats, including swamps and flatwoods, and their growing population is increasingly encountering human habitats because of urban development.<\/p>\n Their population is estimated to be about 4,000 bears, according to the organization, and their conservation status was officially classified as \u201crecovered\u201d in 2012.<\/p>\n Laurie K. Blandford<\/a>\u00a0is a\u00a0breaking news reporter\u00a0with TCPalm. Email her at\u00a0laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n