Local

Bear sighting near UCF, police say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A warning was issued Thursday for east Orange County after there were reports of a bear sighting near the University of Central Florida, UCF police said.

Police tweeted a picture of the bear that was seen near Knights Plaza.

Police told Channel 9's Jeff Levkulich that they believe the bear came from the woods near Knights Plaza.

Police said bears are usually quiet and shy, but that people need to remain alert and be aware of their surroundings.

"I think it's kind of exciting that htere is a bear. We were talking to a guy who said there are coyotes and stuff back there, and it's pretty cool we live this close to it," said UCF student Michelangelo Mignone.

Police said people should not turn their back on the bear, play dead, climb or run away from the bear. Just slowly back away and speak to the bear in a calm voice.