Video shows bear walk up to front door of Florida home: Watch
A black bear is seen walking up to the home of a Florida resident.
The footage was captured by a camera in front of the house and posted to Facebook by the North Port Police Department on Monday.
In the video, a Florida black bear is spotted strolling up to the front door. It's seen waiting there for a few seconds before the video ended. Police say the residents called and reported the bear to officers
The bear was was spotted in a North Port, Florida, which is around 89 miles south of Tampa. But this isn't it's first appearance. It was caught on camera by the resident's trail camera, states police.
Watch:Black bear helps itself to a trash feast inside a truck in Gatlinburg
Hide your food, police say
Police advised the residents to secure trash cans and other food sources, like picnic baskets, to make sure the bears don't have access to the food hidden inside and giving it a reason to inhabit the neighborhood.
"As bears become 'food-conditioned,' dependent on a food source, they are more likely to frequent residential areas and cause property damage to get these unnatural food sources," states the Florida Fish and Wildlife's website.
The agency was also made aware of the bear's presence in the neighborhood and advised anyone who does see the bear to report it.
What to do if you encounter a bear
If a bear gets a bit too close for comfort, it's important to remember not to run away.
"Remain calm," Maggie Peikon, the manager of communications for the American Hiking Society, told USA TODAY. "I know it's a scary situation."
Those facing a bear should do the following, according to Peikon:
- Speak in a calm voice
- Creating space between themselves and the bear
- Side step away from the bear
"You don't want to run and you don't want to turn your back on a bear," she said.
Homeowners can also keep a can of bear spray near entrances, in case the bear decides to do more than ding dong ditch.
Aim the bear spray slightly downward in front of the bear's head for a couple of seconds when it is 20 to 30 feet away, instructs the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Be cautious of wind direction.
If the bear does try to attack, protect your head and neck, said Peikon. Get and low to the floor as possible so it's harder for the bear to roll you over and have access to any vital organs.
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