Florida Black Bear in Punta Gorda
A black bear sighting in Punta Gorda Isles has led to community precautions and relocation efforts by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Residents were cautioned to secure food and garbage to avoid attracting the bear, which was later captured after several sightings, including incidents in Laishley Park. Authorities highlighted the need for awareness of bear behavior, particularly during mating season, and emphasized community cooperation for safety.
A black bear sighting in Punta Gorda Isles, Florida, has led to heightened safety measures in the community. The bear was first spotted on June 8, 2025, at around 9:30 am, with reports filed by the Punta Gorda Police Department to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Following several days of monitoring, FWC officials successfully captured and relocated the bear.
The initial sighting occurred when local authorities discovered the bear lounging in a resident’s backyard lanai on Jamaica Way. A marine biologist was also on-site to assist during the capture. Authorities reported that the bear remained inactive before becoming more mobile, exploring a nearby vacant lot and even climbing a tree. To ensure a safe capture, a trap was positioned below the tree where the bear gathered.
In light of the black bear’s presence, the FWC promptly informed residents of the situation, providing guidelines for safely coexisting with the bear. Residents were advised to refrain from leaving unsecured food or garbage outdoors, as this could attract the bear. Additionally, locals were instructed to stay indoors and to contact local authorities immediately if they spotted the bear.
For cases involving injured or orphaned bears, the FWC provided a contact number, 888-404-FWCC (3922), to facilitate swift responses. The Punta Gorda Police Department subsequently issued a notice to residents regarding the bear sightings within city limits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance and keeping pets indoors to avoid dangerous encounters.
A secondary black bear sighting was recorded shortly after the initial incident, this time in Laishley Park. A fisherman captured the bear’s movement on video as it wandered through residential areas, beginning its journey in the park located near downtown Punta Gorda. Residents documented the bear’s activities, noting instances of swimming and resting in various locations.
FWC officials indicated that the bear’s unusual movements during this period were likely attributed to mating season when bears are known to roam further from their territories. According to the FWC’s Bear Management Program, officers prioritized monitoring the bear’s behaviors to capture it humanely, avoiding tranquilizers due to the potential risks if the bear fell into water.
The increased bear activity during mating season is a common occurrence. Typically, male bears travel extensive distances to search for mates, which can lead to them entering populated areas where they are not usually found. This highlights the importance of residents being aware of their surroundings and taking necessary precautions to ensure both their safety and the bear’s well-being.
The community’s response to the sightings underscores the need for awareness and education regarding wildlife interactions. Local authorities emphasized the necessity of understanding animal behavior, particularly in areas where human development encroaches on wildlife habitats.
A collaborative effort between residents, law enforcement, and wildlife agencies aims to facilitate a safe environment for both the community and the bear, minimizing risks associated with wildlife encounters while promoting coexistence.
News Summary A black bear sighting in Punta Gorda Isles drew a response from wildlife…
News Summary A new senior apartment community, Flats on 4th, is being developed in St.…
News Summary Matt O'Neill, a franchisee in Tampa, has signed a seven-unit development agreement to…
News Summary The Florida Studies Book Festival, held at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, showcased…
News Summary The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has appointed Eliot Peace, Deputy General…
News Summary St. Petersburg, Florida, will host a variety of events from June 12 to…