Neighbors spot several bears in Riverwood Estates
NAPLES, Fla.- Neighbors in one Naples community say bears have been roaming around their homes lately. One even broke through someone's patio screen.
Lauren Boyle's Trash became a bear's 3 course meal.
"He took the chicken and brought it over to the driveway and sat down and had a picnic," said Boyle.
She quickly snapped a picture without getting too close.
" I stuck my hand outside and hit the button hoping I got a good picture," said Boyle.
Neighbors in Riverwood Estates in Naples say bear sightings have become common.
"Most of the bears come out just after sunset, but we've seen them throughout the night, midnight, 2am, 4am, 6:30am," said Rick Maxfield, resident.
Neighbors spotted a mom with her cubs along with a few other black bears. One bear even got alittle exercise.
"He laid there for 6 or 7 minutes looking at us and kept eating then he got alittle nervous and he climbed a tree," said Allan Nelson, Riverwood Estates resident.
A bear also broke a patio screen after pushing it in and while these bears might be photogenic. These neighbors have concerns.
"If there's a mother with cubs and anybody encounters them in the evening walking a dog that mother might go after them," said Nelson.
Fox took concerns to Florida Fish and Wildlife. A spokeswoman tells me Collier County is one of the top counties when it comes to bear sightings in the state. This year alone they've had 75 calls about bears in Naples and step one is to get neighbors to remove enticements like garbage cans and bird feeders then FWC can take it from there.
"I just want them to be aware and if they can do anything to mitigate the situation. I know it's difficult for them to relocated the bears."
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