ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in an Avalon Park neighborhood got an unwelcome and unexpected visitor this weekend.
A black bear looking for food wandered onto Atwood Drive in the South Village community and dug through garbage cans outside homes.
The neighborhood is next to Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, but residents said they’ve never seen a bear get close to homes.
The bear can be seen getting on its hind legs as he sniffs around open trash cans.
“It’s crazy. Typically, I hear about them around Orlando in the Longwood area. (I’ve) seen them news stories on that, but here it’s very unusual,” said resident David Mattson.
Matt Salamon said it’s not uncommon to see deer or alligators around the neighborhood, especially with the nature preserve nearby, but it’s the first time he has seen a bear in the area.
“It was pretty neat. I liked seeing the bear. A little scary with the kids in the neighborhood,” said Salamon.
Watch: Bear roams Avalon Park neighborhood
Despite residents’ claims, state wildlife officials said bear sighting in Avalon Park are not uncommon. They urge homeowners to pay attention to where they keep their trash.
“As long as everyone keeps the trash locked up, it shouldn’t be a problem,” said Salamon.
A spokesperson for the preserve said there aren’t that many bears in the park, and the animal may have just been passing through.
Cox Media Group
