Black bear spotted blocks away from North Lakeland Publix
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A black bear was spotted just blocks away from a North Lakeland Publix on Thursday evening in the Lake Gibson area.
The animal appeared to be just over 3 feet tall when standing on all fours.
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Photos sent in by WFLA viewer Captain Shawn Raulerson show the bear first roaming around the area at 7:19 p.m., before returning an hour later at 8:26 p.m. After the bear hung out in the area, it headed north.
Raulerson added that the area has an abundance of wild blueberries and blackberries, along with a water resource.
In the past, the Lakeland resident said his camera has tracked other animals like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats.
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“I feel with all the natural wildlife being destroyed we’re pushing these animals out of their homes,” Raulerson told WFLA.com.
Shawn Raulerson Shawn Raulerson Shawn Raulerson Shawn Raulerson
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida black bear species has significantly dropped due to loss of habitat, persecution and unregulated hunting.
With this lack of sufficient natural habit, bears tend to gravitate towards heavily forested areas with dense cover and plenty of fruits, vegetation, acorns and nuts.
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