Young black bear comes down from tree near Tarpon Bay Blvd in Collier County after hours-long wait

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

A juvenile black bear was hanging out in a tree near Tarpon Bay Boulevard and Immokalee Road in Collier County on Wednesday.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the bear was up in the tree for hours, and crews allowed it to come down naturally.

Dozens of people gathered to watch the bear, taking photos and waiting to see when it would come down.

One woman shared her thoughts on the officers’ approach to the situation.

"I'm happy to hear that officers didn't disturb it and let it figure out on its own to come down," she said.

Dana Uostad, a Naples resident, described her observations of the bear.

"With the bear being up in the tree, he looks like he's debating, I'm coming down. He's moving his head a little bit. I think he's observing. It's pretty cool to see, though. I don't think I've seen one this close ever," Uostad said.

The bear climbed down shortly after 2 p.m. and left the area by running across Immokalee Road.

Bear Management staff will respond to any additional reported sightings.

FWC said black bears are more active this time of year, and they advise people to give bears space, don't feed them, and secure food attractants.

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