FWC investigating shooting of bear in Longwood
LONGWOOD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Longwood homeowner John Ray said he sees bears in the Sweetwater Oaks neighborhood multiple times a month, but on Tuesday night, a bear sighting turned into a bear shooting.
Florida Fish and Wildlife is now investigating that shooting of a black bear.
“My wife and I did hear something, now that we think about it, that did sound like a gunshot last night, and we just thought fourth of July, maybe, somebody just had a leftover firework that they were lighting off," Ray told FOX 35.
FWC confirms a homeowner on Thistlewood Circle shot a bear. Ray said the bear interactions he has had haven’t been aggressive, but the bears in his Longwood neighborhood will get into garages if they’re left open.
“We’re not supposed to put our garbage out here until the morning of. You put it out the night before, you’ll definitely have bears get into it. I’ve definitely had to clean up my share of garbage bags.”
It’s illegal to shoot black bears in Florida, but there are exceptions to that rule -- one of which is if there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. Right now, FWC isn’t saying what led up to the shooting, but neighbors said they understand the shooter’s actions.
“If I was in that exact situation and the animal was coming toward me and I had a gun, I would definitely use it.”
FWC says do not play dead if a bear approaches you, don’t run, and fight back aggressively if you’re being attacked.