The inhabitants of Alligator Point, Florida were on high alert after spotting a sizable black bear roaming their neighborhood. While it may appear unusual to encounter a black bear in a Florida residential area, wildlife officials estimate that the state is currently home to over 4,050 black bears as of 2016.
Residents have valid reasons to be cautious around bears. Although they are typically not aggressive, these bears possess immense strength and can defend themselves when they perceive a threat. Humans, too, can pose a risk to bears, so it is advisable for both parties to maintain a safe distance from one another.
Considering the abundance of food in Florida, female bears can reach weights of up to 300 pounds, while male bears can weigh up to 450 pounds. Most black bears grow to a height of 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder and are equipped with long, sturdy claws and razor-sharp teeth.
Everyone aims to avoid encountering a black bear, so when the bear appeared in Alligator Point, wildlife officials were compelled to employ a tranquilizer gun to immobilize the bear. Unfortunately, this marked the onset of a series of unfortunate events.
Upon being struck by the tranquilizer, instead of succumbing to sleep, the bear experienced a surge of panic and dashed toward the gulf, subsequently swimming out into the ocean.
Aware that the tranquilized bear had no chance of surviving in the water, a biologist named Adam promptly took action to rescue it.
He removed his shirt and swam towards the bear. Upon reaching the bear, it had become paralyzed in its limbs. Adam seized the 400-pound creature by its neck and commenced the journey back to the shore, spanning approximately 75 feet.