Florida wildlife officials are pleading with tourists and residents alike to stop taking selfies with the depressed bear!
A large black bear, recently spotted chilling on the side of Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach, has become an unwilling internet star – and a public safety concern.
Leave the Depressed Bear Alone
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to warn the public about the bear’s predicament. They described the bruin as “stressed, depressed, lemon zest,” highlighting its clear discomfort with the growing crowd of onlookers snapping pictures.
“PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH black bears at any time,”
the sheriff’s office emphasized, concerned about the safety of both the bear and the public. Their pleas were echoed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) who were called to the scene.
Crowds and Close Calls
“Crowds of onlookers stopping to take photos of the bear” prompted the FWC’s intervention. However, by the time wildlife officials arrived, the stressed-out celebrity had already retreated into the woods.
Thankfully, based on photos captured by onlookers, the FWC determined the bear didn’t appear to be injured. “It may have just been overheated and was resting before moving on,” they stated.
This incident of depressed bear serves as a reminder: Florida’s black bears are wild animals, not roadside attractions. Bear encounters, especially those involving stressed or threatened animals, can be dangerous.
Famous last words, “If not friend, why friend shaped?”
Because this black bear is stressed depressed lemon zest.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies are monitoring a bear on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road 83 in Santa Rosa Beach.
Onlookers were trying to… pic.twitter.com/boRdiLucZG
— Walton Co. Sheriff (@WCSOFL) July 18, 2024
The FWC offers clear guidelines for safe bear encounters:
- Give bears space: Never approach a bear, even if it appears calm.
- No selfies, no problem: Admire from a distance, and avoid attracting attention.
- Food is not friendly: Never feed a bear, and secure food and garbage properly.
Living Alongside Wildlife
Black bears are a common sight in Florida, particularly during warmer months. An estimated 4,050 bears roam the state’s wild spaces. Responsible behavior from residents and tourists is crucial for ensuring the safety of both humans and bears. Please do not disturb the depressed bear.
Also read, Scientist Unearths True Face of History’s ‘Cruelest Man’
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