HOMESTEAD, FLA. (WSVN) - A bear sighting in the Homestead area has led a councilwoman to warn residents to be careful.
Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough took to Facebook on Thursday afternoon to inform residents that the Homestead Police Department is investigating a sighting of a black bear in the backyard of a home near the 3100 block of Southeast Second Drive.
“I was surprised. I’ve never even heard of a bear sighting anywhere in South Florida,” said Homestead resident Monica Dtrinidad. “I’m concerned, obviously. I have two little boys.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the bear was last spotted at 5 a.m. by an officer but has not been spotted since.
Fairclough said the bear is believed to be up to 200 pounds and stands approximately 4 feet tall.
“They play around, come out in the front yard. I’m a little worried,” said Dtrinidad.
Mike Estevez, a cyclist in the area, said he found the bear roaming behind the Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sunday.
Estevez snapped some photos of the bear from a safe distance.
“We just stopped, froze in our tracks, and the bear kind of stood its ground for about five minutes,” he said.
The cyclist said he was left stunned after seeing the bear.
“It’s just such an odd thing. It’s like seeing a UFO,” Estevez said. “It’s unheard of. I’ve never heard of it in my life. I’ve lived here 40 years, and I’ve never heard of that.”
FWC is asking residents of the area to report any possible bear sighting and keep their distance if they do spot the animal.
“We’ll be looking out for that area every time we ride now, I’m sure,” Estevez said.
Bear sightings are common in Florida, due to the animal being a native species.
“We’re building homes and we’re breaking into the Everglades, so obviously they have nowhere to go,” said Dtrinidad.
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