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Bear spotted steps away from Fern Park school bus stop

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A bear was spotted at a school bus stop in Fern Park, and some Seminole County residents said they are worried.

Based on satellite images of the area, the bear would have had a very long walk through the city to make it to Temple Avenue.

"I said to my wife, 'Come here, come here!' She said, 'What's the matter, you're in such a hurry,'" said Fern Park resident Leon White.

The White family said that in the 53 years they have been in the neighborhood, there has never been a bear sighting.

"He came from my neighbor's yard and just angled across the driveway," said Leon White.

"He didn't seem to be interested in anything. He was just passing through," said Rodney White.

Rodney White's security camera captured the bear wandering the street Sunday morning.

Residents believe the bear may have crossed four highways to get to the neighborhood. Based on maps, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the closest wildlife area to Fern Park and it is about nine miles away.

"This was 6:39 a.m. I said if this had been a school day can you imagine those kids with the bear walking down the street?" said Iris White.

"What if the kids are outside how and the bear walks by," said resident Valerie Withrow. "I want people to be aware and be safe. Then there are people with small dogs."

Residents are worried the bear could show up at any time. The good news is that the bear likely kept on going.

WFTV contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife. They believe it was just a young bear looking for new territory.