After many beachgoers were stunned by sightings of a “rare” black bear in Florida over the weekend, state wildlife experts said Monday that cubs can sometimes swim in the Gulf of Mexico.
A crowd of Destin vacationers were shocked and delighted to spot a black bear cub casually bathing in the bay on Sunday, according to footage that captured the bizarre moment.
While the bear was swimming in the ocean, a woman could be heard off-camera saying, “I bet he’s on vacation too!”
However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a statement that young bears, such as those seen in Destin this time of year, left the comfort of their mother’s home in search of a new home “unexpectedly. It said it could explore the region. .
The FWC said the cubs may also be making inroads into the Gulf to forage on the islands.
“It’s unusual to see bears swimming in the shallows of a crowded beach, but it’s not uncommon to hear stories of black bears swimming across the bay on their way to a breakwater island in search of food,” said the FWC. said.
“At this time of year, juvenile bears such as those seen in Destin are beginning to leave their mother’s range and may be seen in unexpected areas as they seek new homes.
“These bears usually go away on their own. If you see them, give them plenty of space, don’t approach them, and never feed them.”
Captain Chris Kirby, a lifelong Sunshine State resident, said bears have been spotted swimming around in the bay, a common sight throughout Destin, especially near Eglin Air Force Base.
Kirby, who runs charter boat Backlash, told the Post on Monday evening that he “saw two of them swimming in the bay.” “And it’s been over 30 years. That’s a long time. It’s not uncommon, and I’ve heard[bears]swimming around the bay.”
Still, he was surprised when he saw footage of bears roaming around people on the beach.
Kirby, 37, said of bears, “I might have been a little curious, that’s all.”
State officials estimate there are more than 4,000 black bears in Florida.
According to one source, the black bear population is increasing, raising safety concerns at Eglin Air Force Base. August 2020 news release from military officials. Earlier news releases said there were bear sightings on and near the flight line and working runways at the time, raising concerns among base officials.
In a statement Monday, the FWC said it was urging residents to secure food that could attract bears and keep them in the area.
“Bears will move if they can’t find food,” state officials said.
Knee-deep among vacationers, the cub eventually shunned tourist spots. According to footage on social media.
One beach bear witness on Sunday told Al.com Confusion prevailed at first when the bear appeared.
“A man was yelling, ‘Bear!’ Coming out of the Gulf, looking tired but relieved,” Jennifer Majors-Smith shared a few clips. Meet on FacebookI explained.
“We were all shocked and amazed by what we saw. We were all happy to see him safely out of the water.”
