SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — A bear was left "stressed depressed lemon zest" after onlookers tried to take selfies with it in Santa Rosa Beach, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post.
Deputies were reportedly monitoring the bear Thursday on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road 83. The sheriff's office said the bear showed signs of "severe stress" as people passing by the area attempted to take selfies.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived to take proper care of the bear, the sheriff's office said.
People should not approach black bears at any time, especially those "showing aggression" like the one Thursday in Walton County, deputies said. Anyone who spots a bear in the county can call the non-emergency line at 850-892-8111 or FWC at 888-404-3922.
FWC says people should abide by the following precautions when encountering black bears in Florida:
- Secure household garbage in a shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container (like a bear-resistant container or caddy).
- Put household garbage out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
- Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
- Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
- Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute ordinances on keeping foods that attract wildlife secure.
- Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding.
- Clean grills and store them in a locked, secure place.
- Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
- Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground - bears love fruit!
- Screened enclosures ARE NOT SECURE and WILL NOT keep bears out.
For more information on black bears in Florida from FWC, click here.
