The Walton County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to refrain from taking selfies with a black bear that has recently taken up residence on the north side of Highway 98.
The bear appeared earlier this week and has been attracting unwanted attention from passing motorists. In a post on X on Thursday, July 18, the Sheriff’s office highlighted the bear’s distressed state, noting that onlookers were “trying to take selfies with the bear and he’s clearly not in the mood for pictures.” The office further described the bear as “stressed, depressed, lemon zest.”
Urging caution around black bears
Authorities emphasized the importance of not approaching black bears, especially those displaying signs of aggression. Black bears are a common sight in Florida, particularly during the spring and summer months. The Sheriff’s office’s plea underscores the potential dangers of close encounters with wildlife.
According to a report by The Guardian on Friday, rangers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were dispatched to investigate the situation after reports of crowds stopping to take photos of the bear. By the time FWC officers arrived, the bear had dispersed into the adjacent woods. The FWC noted that the animal did not appear to be injured, and it may have just been overheated and was resting before moving on.
Black bear population in Florida
The commission estimates that approximately 4,050 black bears live in the wild across Florida. These sightings, while not uncommon, highlight the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife habitats.
New law
In related news, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a controversial bill in June. This legislation allows individuals to shoot and kill bears if they perceive a threat to “a person, pet, or dwelling.”
The new law has sparked debate about wildlife conservation and human safety. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and FWC continue to monitor the situation, urging the public to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance from black bears. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting responsibly with nature.
