- A black bear was spotted swimming through a waterway in a Port St. Lucie neighborhood.
- Police released footage of the bear moving through the Town Park area before approaching nearby homes.
- Officials are urging residents to keep children and pets supervised and to stay away from the animal.
A black bear was caught on camera swimming through a residential waterway in Port St. Lucie earlier this month. Port St. Lucie Police Department released the footage, which shows the bear moving through the Town Park area of Tradition before heading toward homes in the neighborhood.
Bear Caught on Camera Near Homes
The video shows the bear entering the water and swimming across the canal before climbing out near a residential area. Neighbors observed the animal as it moved through the community. Officials say this type of wildlife activity has been seen in St. Lucie County before, as natural habitat continues to border growing suburban areas.
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Black bears in Florida are known to roam widely in search of food and water. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes that bears are most active in warmer months and may travel through neighborhoods near natural areas.
What Port St. Lucie Residents Should Know
Authorities are reminding residents not to approach the bear if spotted. They advise keeping children and pets indoors or closely supervised when wildlife is reported nearby. Residents should also secure garbage cans and remove potential food sources from yards to discourage bears from lingering.
Anyone who spots the bear or believes it poses an immediate threat should contact local authorities or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Officials say the goal is to allow the animal to move on naturally without conflict.
