A black bear was caught snoozing in a tree outside of a school in Florida, prompting a response from police.
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Per a report by WESH, School officials at Markham Woods Middle School in Seminole County spotted a black bear chilling out up a tree outside the establishment on Monday. The bear was close to the school, lounging in the nearest tree to the building above the parent loop. The outlet points out that the school is on the edge of a large expanse of woodland, and the area is technically 'bear country.'
It's not usual or safe for a bear to roam near a school, but a Joe Humphreys bear advocate explained why it may be there. "Bears have a litter every two years," he said. "So, before mom has the new babies, the old ones have to go. So this is probably a two-plus-year-old. He's out in the woods trying to figure out now, what do I do?"
Wildlife officials reportedly said the best thing to do is let it come down and leave of its own accord. They also stated that seeing a bear isn't necessarily cause for concern, although they advise residents to secure any food so they aren't attracted to the area.
The bear spent most of the day relaxing on the tree. A motorcycle allegedly startled it when it drove by.
The School Emailed Parents About The Black Bear Sighting
The Principal emailed parents about the bear sighting but stressed there was no danger as the kids were in class. Per a report by Fox 35, law enforcement monitored the bear, even after 4 PM, when parents came and went to the school to pick up their children.
The news outlet also explains that bear sightings are common in the area, and residents are accustomed to encounters. Black bears aren't known to be aggressive, although one by a school does require monitoring.
Shortly after 5:30 PM, the young bear reportedly scaled down the tree and strolled back into the woods.
According to the North American Bear Center, the most aggressive black bear displays occur when the animal is nervous. They are usually timid. Black bears have only been blamed for 61 deaths across North America since 1990.
