Florida Gone Wild: Animal encounters, sightings of the outrageous kind in January
ORLANDO, Fla. - Bears, sharks and gators! Oh my!
Florida has gained a reputation for being a "crazy" state with its iconic "Florida Man" stories. However, animal encounters in the Sunshine State can be just as wild.
Here are a few of the outrageous interactions and sightings of 2025 so far…it's only been a month!
1. Florida man attacked by bear while trying to save dog
Florida man attacked by bear while trying to save his dog
A man is recovering after being attacked by a black bear cub in the front yard of a Volusia County home. Blake Sprout, the victim, was trying to break up a fight between the cub and his dog when he was bitten by the bear.
This Florida man risked it all to save his furry friend.
Blake Sprout jumped into action after his dog Karen was trapped in a bear's mouth in his front yard. The attack on Karen came after she reportedly chased the bear cub, which was near its mother and two other cubs, shortly after being let outside that evening.
A neighbor of Sprout caught the attack on video, showing the dog dad turn into a hero.
The bear ended up biting Sprout in the stomach. However, although he said it was impulsive, he felt like he needed to save Karen because she is "part of the family."
Blake Sprout and his dog Karen were both bitten and sustained injuries, but both are expected to make a full recovery.
Original Story: VIDEO: Florida man attacked by bear while trying to save his dog
2. Huge great white shark pings off Florida Coast
Breton, a 13-foot and 1,400-pound shark, was first tagged by OCEARCH in 2020. (Credit: OCEARCH)
A GREAT white shark was spotted off the east coast of Florida three times in one day. An emphasis on great because this fish was massive!
This predator of the sea, named Breton, weighed 1,400 pounds and was 13 feet long, according to OCEARCH data.
Data showed that Breton was pinged off Daytona Beach three times on January 9th. The world traveling sea creature left the coast of Newfoundland in early November 2024, before hanging out in the Sunshine State, according to reports.
However, these travels are not rare for North Atlantic great white sharks like Breton.
OCEARCH research:
What they're saying:
OCEARCH researchers said North Atlantic great white sharks often leave their summer feeding grounds in search of warmer waters and more abundant food sources.
Data shows the sharks typically travel off Atlantic Canada and New England, along the East Coast, and as far south as Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
Where is Breton now?
Well, according to the OCEARCH tracker, Breton has been quite the snowbird. The latest ping on Jan. 24 showed the shark off the East Coast between Merritt Island and Ponce Inlet.
Original Story: 1,400-pound, 13-foot great white shark pings off Florida beach 3 times in 1 day, officials say
3. 12-foot shark swims into Florida marina: Officials
Officials said they spotted the shark Friday in a lake in Hollywood, Florida.
Mako Marina!
At least that's what this marina in Hollywood, Florida should be called after a 12-foot mako shark was spotted in the harbor a few weeks ago.
Hollywood Police officers said the seadog was spotted about 50 yards away from the waterfront.
Officials jumped into action…not the water:
The Hollywood Police Department's marine unit was notified of the incident, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was contacted, according to officials.
Marine experts were also dispatched to the scene to evaluate the shark.
(Credit: NSU Florida)
A team from Nova Southeastern University, led by shark specialist Derek Burkholder, towed the shark back to sea, hoping it will recover and return to its natural offshore habitat.
How to safely enjoy the Florida shores and avoid sharks:
What you can do:
Most importantly, if you spot a shark, DON'T GET IN THE WATER!
However, there are ways to avoid attracting sharks and other sealife.
Officials shared some tips on how to prioritize safety when enjoying the Florida waterways:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Always keep an eye out for signs of marine life, especially in areas known for wildlife activity. Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk or nighttime, when visibility is lower.
- Avoid attracting marine life: Don’t swim with shiny jewelry or bright clothing that could mimic fish.
- Keep your distance: Do not approach or provoke marine life under any circumstances.
Original Story: 12-foot shark swims into Florida marina: officials
4. Large alligator pulled from Florida Keys pool
Alligator pulled from Florida Keys backyard pool
Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said they recently helped residents by removing a large alligator from their backyard pool in the Florida Keys. (Credit: Monroe County Sheriff's Office)
Pool’s closed… due to unauthorized reptiles!
What we know:
Deputies had to remove a large alligator that was taking a dip in a backyard pool in the Florida Keys.
On January 31, deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to the call.
The large alligator was found in a backyard pool in the Florida Keys. (Credit: Monroe County Sheriff's Office)
With the use of a shovel and deck brush, deputies were able to guide the gator out the gate and back towards the water.
Original Story: WATCH: Large alligator pulled from Florida Keys pool
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The Source: The information in this article comes from previous reporting done by FOX 35 News staff.