Escaped Bear Captured In Collier County

Officials Working With Prosecutors For Possible Charges Against Bear Owner

NAPLES, FL. -- Staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission caught the missing grizzly bear cub today that escaped in Collier County earlier this week.

A team of FWC staff including officers and biologists located the bear and tranquilized it so that it could be safely returned to its facility. FWC is still investigating the cause of the escape to determine what actions will be taken to ensure this does not happen again as well as any costs associated with the response. 

FWC investigators will work with the local prosecutor to see if charges apply.

“We’re very happy that we located the bear and will be able to return it safely to its home,” said Capt. Mitts Mravic, area supervisor for the FWC.

The bear escaped early Tuesday afternoon from A Grizzly Experience, a licensed facility in Golden Gate Estates.

“Neighbors reported a sighting last night. We focused our efforts in that same area today and were able to locate it,” Mravic said.