Black Bear Spotted Roaming Orlando Apartment Stairwell
ORLANDO, Fla. — Residents at a Florida apartment complex had an unexpected encounter this week when a black bear was spotted loitering in a stairwell, prompting a response from wildlife officials.
Residents Capture Bear on Camera
People living at the Westbrook Apartments in Orlando reported multiple sightings of the bear wandering through the property. Video shared by residents showed the animal calmly moving through stairwell areas.
“When I saw it, the bear was coming out, and the bear was walking normally. Just walking,” resident Irma Rodriguez told WOFL-TV. “I was surprised, but because I like bears I said, ‘Oh, how beautiful.’ And then I ran upstairs with my dog.”
Wildlife Officials Monitoring the Area
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that staff with its Bear Management Program are monitoring the situation. Officials explained that sightings like this are not unusual, especially when young bears begin to roam in search of new territory after leaving their mothers.
FWC has since set traps to safely relocate the bear and has been canvassing the neighborhood to advise residents on reducing attractants that might draw wildlife closer to homes.
Ongoing Sightings Nearby
Reports of bear activity were not limited to Westbrook Apartments. Sightings have also been made at the Marbella Woods condos, raising concerns for residents across the community.
Encounters like this highlight the growing overlap between wildlife and residential areas in Florida. Have you seen a bear or other wild animals near your home? Share your experience with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
