FWC removes bear traps in Lake Mary neighborhood

7th bear killed after woman attacked in Lake Mary garage

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said on Thursday they have removed the bear traps in the Lake Mary subdivision where a woman was attacked by a bear.

FWC has killed seven bears since the Saturday attack in the Carisbrooke neighborhood after they say the bears have shown no fear of humans, meaning they cannot be safely relocated anywhere in Florida.

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Officials said on Thursday they have put up cameras in the neighborhood so they can monitor the bears and an FWC officer will patrol the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods.

FWC didn't say that they have identified the bear that attacked Terri Frana Saturday night at her home at 1900 Brackenhurst Place. FWC said although they are testing bears for DNA, the tests may come back inconclusive and they may never find the exact bear that attacked Frana.

On Wednesday, FWC said people who are feeding the bears in the neighborhood, which backs up to the Wekiva Wildlife preserve, are "signing their (the bears) death warrant."

FWC said if you encounter a bear at close range, speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice while backing up slowly toward a secure area. Be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route. Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear. Do not run or play dead. If a black bear attacks you, fight back aggressively.

The FWC also reminded residents to be aware of their surroundings and always supervise pets and children while outdoors.  Residents should contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC to report any threatening bear activity.

Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.


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