Black Bear Closes Philippe Park In Safety Harbor As Its Movements Are Tracked
A juvenile black bear closed Philippe Park in Safety Harbor Tuesday after it was spotted in the park in the morning. The bear has also been spotted near Curlew Road and Countryside Boulevard in Clearwater on Saturday before being spotted near the Countryside Recreation Center.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are keeping an eye on the movement on the bear and allowing it to move out on its own. They recommend leaving the bear alone and giving it the space to move through.
According to the FWC, here is how you should behave if you encounter a bear:
If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice.
Do NOT feed or intentionally attract bears. If a bear eats something on your property, take note of what it is and secure it once the bear leaves.
NEVER approach or surprise a bear. If you see a bear from a distance, enjoy the experience, but do not move toward the bear. If you are close, do not make any sudden or abrupt movements. Back way slowly and be sure the bear has an obvious escape route.
If you are in your yard,
- Make sure that you are in a safe area and that the bear has a clear escape route. Then, make noise or bang pots and pans to scare the bear away.
- Do NOT turn your back, play dead, climb a tree or run. Back away slowly into the house or secure area.
- Avoid direct eye contact. Bears and many other animals may view this as aggressive behavior.
- Report any bear that is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock, or causing property damage to the FWC.
This bear was captured on home video near Curlew and Countryside early Saturday, then made its way south to near the Countryside Recreation Center and Misty Springs condos. It was gone, or hiding, when our officers arrived. This morning, the bear was spotted in Philippe Park. pic.twitter.com/Wn2kjqjxTq
— Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) June 1, 2021
Alligators Love The Golf Course
Gators and the golf course go hand in hand like burgers and fries. Just to be safe, especially in Florida, always assume there is a gator or a croc in any body of water.
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