UPDATE 11:20 A.M. 5/9/25:
FWC confirms there were multiple reports of a bear moving through Fort Myers on Friday, but officers believe it was typical behavior. It's common for young bears to wander around suburban areas as they leave their mothers' home ranges to find a home of their own. Also, spring also marks a general increase in activity for bears after limited movements in winter.
ORIGINAL 9:00 A.M. 5/9/25:
People living near Colonial and Summerlin say they saw a large bear in the area on Friday morning. One person contacted Fox 4 and shared a picture of the bear through the fence in their backyard that butts up to Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Another resident in nearby McGregor Reserve said the bear was in her backyard at one point and she contacted police.
Florida Fish and Wildlife told Fox 4 they are looking into the bear sighting. Neighbors say they also called police adding they don't recall ever seeing a bear in the community over the years.
Memorial Gardens says managers are aware of the bear sighting but hasn't changed and visitation rules on property.
FWC states, "Seeing a bear in a neighborhood is not necessarily cause for alarm." However, it is important that people do not feed them, as this can teach them to lose their natural fear of people. In fact, it is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract them.
FWC also noted these tips:
- Dogs have been involved in over half of the incidents of people being injured by bears in Florida. When walking dogs, keep them close to you
- For your own safety and to avoid hitting bears and other wildlife, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Each year in Florida, an average of 300 bears are killed after being hit by vehicles.
- Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
- If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container
- Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground
- Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders.
- Never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills.
