TOWN 'N' COUNTRY, Fla. — The bear wandering around Hillsborough County neighborhoods has "moved on," according to wildlife officials over the weekend.
It was first spotted at a Tampa apartment complex before making its way over to a neighborhood in Town 'N' Country where it climbed up a tree.
Joseph Budny lives in Town 'N' Country and reported seeing the bear in his driveway.
"Not every day you have someone come up and say, 'Hey, I found a bear and it's in my neighborhood and it's less than 3 feet away from me,'" Budny said.
He had just pulled into his driveway when he saw a dark shadow behind his car.
"I thought, 'Why is this SUV coming up behind me in the driveway?' and I turned around and I was completely startled. I was taken back." Budny said.
He alerted neighbors before the bear eventually moved into other neighborhoods miles from Budny's home.
"I’m happy with wherever he chooses as long as it’s safe both for him and for us," Budny said.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Forest Rothchild said the bear came down from the tree in Town 'N' Country during the night and left. Officials have set traps to help relocate the bear if necessary.
During this time of year, people are more likely to see bears because they are more active. Young bears start to leave their mother's home ranges at this time and officials said seeing a bear in a neighborhood is not necessarily cause for alarm.
"Our bear biologists are monitoring the situation closely. In most cases, it is best for bears to be given space to move along on their own," a statement from the commission said.
Here are some tips if you see a bear:
- Keep a safe distance and do not approach
- Do not feed the bear
- Secure food attractants to prevent bears from lingering in the area
- If you feel threatened by a bear or observe one call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission alert hotline at 888-404-3922