Authorities catch falling black bear from Orlando tree

ORLANDO, Fla. — Wildlife officials caught a black bear that fell from a downtown Orlando tree after it was shot with a tranquilizer gun Friday.

The bear was spotted climbing the tree near a Citgo gas station west of Orange Blossom Trail along Long Street, near State Route 408.

Earlier Friday, a sighting was reported closer to the city near Magnolia Avenue and Marks Street.

It is the third bear to make it to downtown Orlando in the last few months.

Officials closed down some of the roads in the area as a precaution.

Wildlife officials believe it was a young male, and probably weighs a few hundred pounds.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife biologist was also at the scene.

Officials said they were afraid the bear would be badly hurt or run over by a vehicle if it fell from the tree and they were not there to catch it.

So far, reports said they bear is fine.

WFTV