Black bear spotted in Florida city evades ‘several’ trap attempts by officials, police say
Florida officials were clawing for answers after a black bear was spotted in downtown Naples.
Local police on Friday said a bear “on the move” had been sighted, and that authorities were unsuccessful in “several” attempts to trap and relocate the animal.
“With the onset of low light conditions following sundown, the bear was last observed in the area of 7th Street North and the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club golf course,” read the Facebook announcement by the Naples Police Department.
“It is important to note that the bear has not been aggressive and often avoided interactions with people.”
Naples Police were working with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to track the bear, with residents repeatedly calling authorities following the first sighting.
“Bears as young as 18 months old establish independence from their mothers and search for a new home, as a result they sometimes wander into populated areas,” police said.
Officials urged citizens to remain alert while in any areas close to a bear sighting.
Naples is located along the southwest coast of Florida, about 167 miles south of Tampa.
