An unexpected visitor is causing quite a stir in an Alva community. Residents have reported seeing a black bear roaming through their yards, digging into trash cans and even destroying beehives over the past week.
Residents on Telegraph Creek Lane are taking several steps to ensure their safety.
They have been bringing in their trash bins and ringing cowbells. They have also contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for assistance, hoping a bear trapper will be sent to capture and relocate the bear.
With Halloween approaching, neighbors are concerned about the safety of children in the area.
They say the combination of kids, candy, and a black bear is not ideal. Although FWC warned they can't take action until the bear harms someone, they might send a bear trapper due to safety concerns.
Tara Mina, an Alva resident for 45 years, shared her surprising encounter with the bear.
"Last night, when I got home, within five minutes of me unloading my car, closing my garage and then letting my dog out, there was a bear right in my front yard, and it ran up the tree, and I could hear this growling," said Mina.
She added, "It's a little too close for comfort. So it's definitely a safety concern."
WINK News reached out to FWC to see if they plan to send a bear trapper to the neighborhood but has yet to receive a response.