Florida Police Urge Locals To Stop Taking Selfies With ‘Depressed’ Black Bear

Florida police have issued a warning advising people not to approach or photograph the black bear that was recently seen near a highway. The male bear was frequently spotted on the north side of Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach last week. It drew the attention of several passersby who stopped to get a closer look and take pictures. This led the Walton County Sheriff’s Office to caution the public to give the bear space, as it was initially believed to be in distress.

In an X post, the County Sheriff’s Office wrote, “Famous last words, ‘If not friend, why friend shaped?’ Because this black bear is stressed depressed lemon zest.” The Sheriff’s office added that the bear showed “signs of severe stress” and the professionals from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission were expected to arrive at the scene to inspect the bear’s wellbeing.

The law enforcement agency reiterated, “PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH black bears at any time. Especially those that are showing aggression like this big fella. If you spot a bear in Walton County you can call our non-emergency line at (850)-892-8111.”

In a follow-up comment, the Sheriff’s office added, “A biologist was called by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and they’re going to try and make sure the bear is ok and wasn’t hit by a car, etc.”

Commenting on the post, an X user wrote, “Important for people to understand they are NOT DOGS and can run 30 mph!”

Another person joked, “Even the animals know the twists and turns of 2024 politics are unbearable.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission later gave an update that by the time the biologists arrived the bear had moved back to the woods. The Guardian quoted a spokesperson who said that based on the bear’s images, “The bear did not appear to be injured. It may have just overheated and was resting before moving on.”

Black bears are commonly seen in many areas of Florida, especially during the spring and summer when juvenile bears begin to leave their mothers’ home ranges and go independent. As they seek out new habitats, they often pass through many residential areas or road networks.

An estimated 4,050 black bears are living in the wild in Florida, as per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission figures. Black bears are protected by the Bear Conservation Rule, which makes it illegal to “take, possess, injure, shoot, collect, or sell black bears.