Florida - Stressed, depressed and sour like a lemon
In Florida, a Black Bear was spotted. The animal was sitting by the side of the road and watching the traffic. For many people, this seemed to be an invitation for taking funny pictures. However, the sighting must have attracted many curious onlookers shortly after, as the Walton County Sheriff's Office had to issue a warning. The Sheriff's Office wrote on various social media platforms, including X: "Famous last words: If no friend, why does it look like one? This Black Bear is stressed, depressed, and as sour as a lemon."
Police warn against selfies with bear
Further, the Sheriff's Office stated: "Deputies with the Walton County Sheriff's Office are observing a Bear on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road 83 in Santa Rosa Beach. Onlookers attempted to take selfies with the Bear, but it was clearly not in the mood for photos. The Bear displayed signs of heavy stress. We'll leave the rest to the professionals from Florida Fish and Wildlife, who are already on their way."
The Sheriff's Office issued a stern warning against approaching the animal, as its seemingly relaxed pose was a sign of aggression, according to the Police. In response to inquiries about the Bear's condition, the Sheriff's Office wrote: "The Bear has retreated into the secure forests." The reason for its behavior was speculated to be the heat in warm Florida, which forced the Bear to cool off before continuing its journey.
Several individuals reported in social media that they had seen the possibly same Bear at the same location earlier. It seems that it keeps returning there.
Florida allows bear shooting
The "Guardian" reports that Black Bears are common in Florida. In the spring and summer, many young bears reportedly wander around and search for their own territory after leaving their parents' home. The local wildlife agency estimates that about 4000 Bears live in Florida's forests.
However, this number could significantly decrease in the future, as Florida's Governor signed a new law last month that allows the shooting of Bears in case of emergency. The problem: People create such situations by approaching the Bears. It would thus be better for the animals to stop showing themselves in public.
- Despite the warnings issued by the Walton County Sheriff's Office, some individuals continued to attempt taking selfies with the stressed black bear, which was sitting by the roadside like a lemon.
- The Sheriff's Office advised against approaching the bear, as they believed its apparently relaxed position was a sign of aggression, much like a curbed bear might show signs of frustration when it's trapped or cornered.
- As the conversation about the bear's behavior and the new law allowing bear shooting in Florida continued, many social media users expressed their disapproval, arguing that it's unfair to label the bears as aggressive when humans are the ones encroaching on their habitat.
