It's Bear Season Again in Ave Maria

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Published on Wednesday, 07 August 2013 00:38

In what seems increasingly like an annual event, a large black bear meandered through the Hampton Village neighborhood in Ave Maria Tuesday afternoon before being chased away by sheriff's deputies.

The bear wandered around for about three hours, residents said, including entering at least one open garage. No one was directly threatened by the bear.

The bear foraged for food in garbage cans, some of which were outside in the afternoon or inside garages with the door open, and also feasted on guava growing in some yards. (photo right by Tom DiFlorio)

"I had wondered what was happening to our guava tree," said Susan Moore, whose yard was one of those visited by the bear Tuesday. "Now I know."

A number of bears were sighted frequently in Ave Maria last August and September. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made numerous unsuccessful efforts to trap them. Eventually, last September, an agressive bear threatened an FWC officer, who shot and killed the animal. Bears have been rarely seen in Ave Maria since then. (photo left by Mary Towey)

The bear that came Tuesday afternoon was seen eating garbage on a resident's lawn, and residents are reminded to strictly follow procedures for keeping garbage secured so as not to attract bears. Garbage should never be left out the night before pickup.

Bears are on the move this time of year and there have been a number seen in Naples-area residential neighborhoods. One was spotted last month near the Ritz Carleton hotel at Vanderbilt Beach and was quickly euthanized by FWC officers.

Bear sightings should be reported to the FWC wildlife hotline at 888-404-3922.

Click here for Ave Herald story on the shooting of a bear last September.