Florida officials warn against taking selfies with depressed bear
Officials have sent a stern warning to Florida residents after people took selfies with a black bear, even though it was "clearly not in the mood for pictures"...
While most people would avoid getting within arm's length of a black bear, some people are willing to risk it all just to get a selfie with the animal.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office in Florida issued a public warning after discovering that locals had spotted a bear on the side of a highway.
Instead of leaving the visibly upset bear alone or, at the very least, calling emergency officials, some people decided to snap a few selfies.
While black bears are not as aggressive or fast as grizzly bears, they can still reach speeds of up to 50km/h. Florida officials advised people against approaching the bear as it is depressed, which could lead to a very dangerous situation.
"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 take selfies with the bear and he’s clearly not in the mood for pictures," officials wrote on X (Twitter).
Officials say the bear was showing signs of severe stress.
"We’re going to leave the rest to the pros at Florida Fish and Wildlife who are en route. PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH black bears at any time. Especially those that are showing aggression like this big fella."
A biologist was also called to make sure the bear was in good health and was not hit by a vehicle. It eventually made its way back to the woods.
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Famous last words, “If not friend, why friend shaped?”
— Walton Co. Sheriff (@WCSOFL) July 18, 2024
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
We might not have black or grizzly bears in South Africa, but we certainly have seen what happens when locals and tourists get too close to wildlife.
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends keeping a respectful distance from wildlife and educating yourself about wildlife in your area to avoid dangerous situations.
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Main image credit: X/ Walton Co. Sheriff (@WCSOFL)