Woman attacked by bear in Lake Mary, FWC says

Springtime sparks activity for Florida black bears, cubs

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating after they say a woman was attacked by a bear in a Seminole County neighborhood Saturday night.

Seminole County firefighters said they were called to a home at 1900 Brackenhurst Place in Lake Mary for a report of a woman, identified as Terri Frana, was attacked by a bear around 8 p.m. Saturday.

Deputies told CNN Sunday the bears had ambled into Frana's open garage and were sifting through her garbage cans in search of food. Frana said as many as five bears "of various sizes" were rooting through her trash when she walked into the garage.

FWC said a bear they believe was one of the five that were in Frana's garage was shot Sunday after an FWC officer determined the bear was dangerous and did not appear to be fearful of humans.

[WATCH: Franna's husband talks about the attack]

FWC Lt. Jeff Hudson said Frana encountered the bear in the Carisbrooke subdivision, which backs up to the Wekiva Wildlife preserve.

The victim was taken to South Seminole Hospital where she was treated for scratches on her head and released Sunday morning.

Officials said three other bears that were seen in the same area Sunday were also put down after they were found to be dangerous as well.

FWC is reminding the public to be aware that bears are now or soon will be on the move as they are leaving their winter dens.

The FWC has positioned several traps in the area and is reaching out to residents of this neighborhood to discuss actions they can take to avoid encounters with bears.

"Now is the time to expect bears to show up looking for food," said Dave Telesco, who directs the FWC's bear management program. "If they can't find food in your neighborhood, they'll move on."

On Saturday, Fish and Wildlife officials issued a statement about bears coming out of the woods looking for food in neighborhoods.

Officials said as females and cubs increase their movements this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross.

Stay with Local 6 for the latest on this story.


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