Florida bear napping in hot tub leads to relocation

In a residential area of Punta Gorda, Florida, a black bear was spotted enjoying a hot tub and later taking a six-hour nap outdoors. On June 11, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers were called to the scene after residents reported the unusual sighting. The bear initially encountered took pleasure in the warm water and even removed cushions from an outdoor couch to create a comfortable spot for his nap under a lanai, a common feature in Floridian homes. FWC personnel employed hazing techniques to coax the bear away from the property, but it ultimately climbed a tree in a nearby vacant lot. The wildlife officers maintained a presence at the scene, placing a trap at the base of the tree to safely capture the bear. The FWC utilized doughnuts as bait in the trap, successfully ensnaring the bear when it descended from the tree the next day. Following its capture, the FWC relocated the bear to a nearby state park, ensuring its safety as well as the community's. This incident highlights the ongoing interactions between humans and wildlife in Florida, particularly with black bears, a species that has faced increasing contact with residents. With over 4,000 black bears inhabiting the state, reported incidents can sometimes take a perilous turn. Just weeks prior to this bear’s hot tub escapade, a bear attack resulted in the death of a man and his dog near Naples, raising concerns about public safety and wildlife management. The FWC urges residents to avoid interactions with bears, emphasizing the importance of not feeding wild animals to prevent them from becoming a nuisance. Authorities emphasized the necessity of understanding bear behavior and safely co-existing with these creatures. The FWC provided guidelines for what to do if one encounters a bear. Residents are advised to stand their ground and fight back if aggressively confronted by a bear. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving wildlife and ensuring safety for homeowners in bear-populated areas.