Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Baby Grizzly Bear Loose In Florida Neighborhood

125 Pound Grizzly Cub Escapes From Owner

NAPLES, FL. -- An escaped baby grizzly bear is causing a bit of concern in eastern Collier County, Florida and wildlife officials are asking residents to pay attention and get indoors if anyone spots it.

The approximately 125-lb cub escaped earlier this afternoon from a facility at 4670 43rd Ave. NE in Naples and is suspected to be in a wooded area on the owner’s property or a neighboring property. However, it could potentially travel in search of food.

Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are helping a local captive wildlife owner locate his young grizzly bear cub today.

“Residents should remain calm, but pay attention to their surroundings,” said Capt. Mitts Mravic, local FWC supervisor. “If you see the bear, please do not approach it. Get indoors if you can, and call the FWC or local law enforcement.”

“Any information on a direction of travel for the bear will be helpful to law enforcement,” Mravic added. “We are working with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and local residents to locate the animal as quickly as possible and are looking into the cause of the escape.”

Bear sightings can be reported through the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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