On Thursday, July 9th, 2020, Jacksonville, Florida police got several calls from people reporting on a black bear they saw running around in the neighborhood between Edgewood Avenue and Avenue B.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that they contacted the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and also sent out a message into the community to “not approach or agitate” the bear if they see it.
Jax Sheriff’s Office wrote in Twitter, “**PSA** Northwest #Jax #JSO has responded to 3 calls today in reference to a “large bear” sighting near Edgewood & Ave B. @MyFWC has been made aware. Please call 904-630-0500 if sighted and do not approach or agitate bear. Go to http://MyFWC.com/bear for more safety tips.”
**PSA** Northwest #Jax #JSO has responded to 3 calls today in reference to a “large bear” sighting near Edgewood & Ave B. @MyFWC has been made aware. Please call 904-630-0500 if sighted and do not approach or agitate bear. Go to https://t.co/IR30lc5SW3 for more safety tips. pic.twitter.com/vpHM48n8xl
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) July 9, 2020
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) reported that the bear was a juvenile bear, only about 75 pounds in total weight. However, it hasn’t been caught yet and can still be very dangerous if messed with.
It’s estimated that there are about 4000 black bears in the state of Florida. Most of which live in deep woodland unpopulated areas. Even so, if you do see a bear in Florida, officials say to call their non-emergency number, 904-630-0500, or the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC and report it. In the meantime, learn the top 10 safety tips in the video below.