Black Bear Rescued from Punta Gorda Isles Neighborhood

Black Bear in Punta Gorda Isles

News Summary

A black bear sighting in Punta Gorda Isles drew a response from wildlife officials after it wandered into a residential backyard. The bear, which took a bath in a hot tub and lounged around for hours, was eventually trapped and relocated. Local residents expressed mixed feelings about coexisting with wildlife, while officials emphasized the importance of securing trash and pet food to prevent further bear encounters. With urban development encroaching on natural habitats, human-bear interactions are becoming more common in Florida.

Punta Gorda, Florida – A black bear sighting in the Punta Gorda Isles neighborhood on Sunday morning prompted a response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The bear was first reported around 9:30 a.m. by the Punta Gorda Police Department, leading to wildlife officials’ deployment to safely relocate the animal.

The black bear initially wandered within city limits before entering the backyard of a residence on Jamaica Way. Witnesses noted that the bear made itself at home by taking a bath in a resident’s hot tub, removing cushions from an outdoor couch, and then settling in for a six-hour nap.

Upon learning of the bear’s presence, FWC officials, which included a bear management biologist, set a trap on the property to capture the animal. They also used hazing techniques in an effort to encourage the bear to leave the residential area. After some time, the bear moved to a vacant lot where it climbed a tree, prompting officials to place a humane trap at the base for a more effective capture.

On Monday evening, the bear was spotted sleeping in the tree within a yard on Hibiscus Ct. FWC personnel waited patiently for the bear to wake before launching an attempt to safely relocate it. Ultimately, the bear was successfully trapped and relocated to a more suitable habitat in Collier County later that night.

The incident has left local residents with mixed feelings. Many emphasized the importance of coexisting with wildlife in the area while expressing their concern about such unusual occurrences. Some residents, including Eugene Kenyon and Loraine Rosco, highlighted the need to adapt to the presence of wildlife in their neighborhoods.

FWC officials explained the complexities surrounding bear relocations, noting that simply moving the bear may not resolve the underlying issues, as another bear could venture into the area in search of food. As a prevention measure, residents have been advised to adopt “bear wise” practices, which include securing trash cans effectively and feeding pets indoors. These steps help deter bears from entering populated areas.

The sighting of a black bear in Punta Gorda Isles is considered unusual, particularly during the mating season when bears are known to roam far beyond their typical habitats. FWC spokesperson Michael Orlando discussed the bear’s behavior and acknowledged ongoing monitoring efforts by wildlife officials to ensure public safety and bear management.

Bear management remains a critical issue in Florida, where human-bear interactions are increasingly common as urban development expands into natural habitats. The FWC continues to stress the importance of community awareness and proactive measures to minimize potential conflicts between humans and wildlife.