Family Of Bears May Be Near Homes
Driver Takes Pictures Of Bear On I-95 Near Daytona Beach
POSTED: Thursday, June 25, 2009
UPDATED: 9:31 am EDT June 25,
2009
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they have received so many reports of bear sightings in Daytona Beach recently that they believe a family of bears may be roaming the area.
A bear estimated between 200 to 500 pounds was first spotted earlier in the week in the yard of a home on Fox Fire Road in the Indigo Lakes subdivision located off Williamson Boulevard.
A woman told Local 6 News that she spotted the bear in her yard as the animal was attempting to get to a bird feeder. Nearby trash cans were also knocked over as the bear was apparently seeking food.
Brian Seifert said he almost struck a bear Wednesday on Interstate 95 as he was driving home from work. He said he swerved and missed the animal. He took a few photos of the bear, which ran back into the woods.
"We're really concerned with the vehicular traffic on I-95. If (the bear) attempts to cross I-95 and gets hit by a vehicle, not only does it put the bear's life in danger, it also puts a human in danger," said a wildlife official, who added that black bears are typically only dangerous when the animals feel threatened.
There are concerns about possible confrontations between people and the bears, especially with the upcoming Coke Zero race at Daytona International Speedway. Many race fans camp out in the area where the bears have been spotted.
For now, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it has no plans to trap the bears and relocate them. Instead, officials are hopeful the animals will move out of the area on their own.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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