News Summary
In DeLand, Florida, a homeowner fatally shot a bear that entered his home, prompting an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The bear reportedly got trapped in the garage and later wandered into the living room, startling the homeowner’s family. Feeling threatened, the homeowner shot the bear after it displayed aggressive behavior. The incident highlights the importance of securing homes against wildlife, especially as bear activity increases during the fall season. The FWC advises residents on safety measures and proper interaction with bears.
Florida – A DeLand resident fatally shot a bear on Friday morning after it entered his home, prompting an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Luckily, no injuries were reported for anyone inside the home during the incident.
According to FWC investigators, upon arriving at the scene, they discovered significant damage to the exterior doors of the house that was consistent with a bear’s entry. The bear reportedly got trapped inside the garage when the garage door shut automatically, prompting its attempt to escape.
The situation escalated when the bear entered the living room, where it startled the homeowner’s mother-in-law, who screamed in fear. In an attempt to evade capture, the bear hurried down a hallway and into a bathroom. The homeowner, identified as Zeke Clark, felt threatened by the bear’s unpredictable behavior and ultimately retrieved his firearm, shooting the bear after it displayed aggression.
After the bear was killed, Clark dragged its body out of the house using a tarp. This encounter marked one of several previous incidents for Clark, as he has had instances where bears entered his yard or garage before. In January, he successfully guided a bear out of his garage without any harm, while two months prior to this incident, another bear had chewed through the garage door.
Clark expressed feelings of “pure fear” during the encounter, indicating the high level of distress experienced by his family members. Following the incident, Clark took measures to enhance security by upgrading the doorknobs on their doors to prevent future occurrences.
The FWC has stated that they will monitor the area for any further signs of bear activity and ensure the community is made aware of safety measures regarding bear interactions. As the fall season approaches, bears are more likely to roam residential areas in search of food to build up their fat reserves for the winter months.
In light of this incident, residents are being advised to take precautions by securely storing food, garbage, bird feeders, and grills, and ensuring that external doors are locked at night to deter unwelcome bear visitors. The FWC has also created a Wildlife Alert Hotline for individuals to report bear threats, sick or injured bears, or any illegal feeding of bears.
Moreover, guidelines for interacting with bears can be found on the FWC’s official website, providing essential resources to help residents understand how to manage potential encounters safely and effectively.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for Florida residents, particularly those living near bear habitats, to remain vigilant and informed about wildlife behavior to avoid dangerous situations. Awareness and preparation are key to coexisting with Florida’s diverse wildlife, including black bears, as they navigate through suburban areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Click Orlando: Bear Shot in Central Florida Home
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
- WESH: Bear Shot Dead in Bathroom
- Google Search: Bear Encounters Florida
- Fox 35 Orlando: Black Bear Shot in Florida Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ursus
- Tallahassee: Florida Conservationists Protest Bear Hunting
- Google News: Florida Bear Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
