A black bear, swimming a few meters away from the shore in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, left a number of people completely astonished. The animal was seen on the coast of Destin in northeastern Florida, United States.
The situation took place on Sunday, June 11th. Several people witnessed the bear splashing into the water of the sea from a distance. Different tourists walking around the beach, or at a safe distance in the waters, were able to capture the bear in video. As the mammal was approaching the shore, individuals in the area started alerting others about the event.
The large crowd in the place was in shock after seeing the black bear swimming around the same area as they were in. One of the witnesses, who was in a boat, recalled the big animal approaching the shore and said that he could not really tell what it was, so when reversing the boat, and taking a closer look. he realized it was a bear.
The Florida Beachgoers claimed they had never seen something like it, as it is not common to spot this type of wild animal on the beach. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that, in spite of bears being unusual at a crowded beach, it is not unusual to see them swimming in the Gulf, on their way back to barrier islands in search of food. The Commission also added that:
Seeing a bear in a neighborhood is not necessarily cause for alarm. However, it is important that residents secure food attractants so that bears do not linger in the area. If a bear is not able to find food, it will move on.”
Experts say that bears are usually calm and do not react aggressively unless they are being disturbed. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid approaching these animals, and it is also suggested to give them space, so that they can go on their own way.