SANFORD, Fla. — Wildlife officials said they are searching for a bear that lunged at a Sanford woman and followed her through a Sanford neighborhood at the Buckingham Estates last Thursday night.
Sonia Hayes said she urges her neighbors to be careful.
She said bears are seen in her neighborhood often but they usually don’t bother anyone.
Florida Fish and Wildlife put up signs nearby warning people to be on the lookout.
“Right now, I don't want to go out at night with my dog,” said Hayes.
Hayes said she was walking her dog when she encountered the bear just a quarter-mile from her home.
“We never saw the bear, until all of a sudden, I saw a bear charging right us,” said Hayes.
Hayes said she grabbed her dog and ran.
“It was very frightening because I didn't know if it was coming after my dog, coming after me. Was it going to stop?” Hayes said.
Hayes and her dog made it home safely.
She said when she got home, her sons looked out the front window and saw the bear with her two cubs in the driveway.
“This one was just very different. This is the first time I've seen an aggressive bear and it was scary,” said Hayes.
FWC said officers have set a trap.
“When they get aggressive, this is where I live and I want to feel safe,” said Hayes.
FWC said people should not run when they see a bear, and residents should make sure garbage cans are all "bear proof."
Cox Media Group
