Video: Bear Looks As If It Might Sit For A Spell On Florida Porch

LEESBURG, FL — It wasn’t the bear’s first visit to a Leesburg home. “Finally got to see our Yogi,” the resident wrote along with video as seen on the Neighbors app.

The bear did skirt the two chairs and a table that invite porch sitting, then went on its way. Florida’s black bear population is increasing, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The black bear population increased to about 4,000 adult black bears, up from only about 300 in the 1970s, according to wildlife officials, who say there are more black bears in the state than at any other time in the last century.

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The agency has an online tool for residents to report black bear sightings. Here’s what you should do if you encounter a bear:

• Never feed or approach bears.
• Remain calm and make sure the bear knows you’re there by speaking in a loud, assertive voice. Sing, clap your hands and make other noises to scare it away.
• Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms; if you’re with someone else, stand as close together as possible with your arms raised above your head.
• Stay as far away from the bear as possible and make sure the bear has an escape route.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which the bear may interpret as a challenge. The bear may make huffing noises, swat the ground and make popping sounds by snapping its jaws — a warning signal that you’re too close.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it's usually not a threatening behavior. The bear may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air.
• Never run from a bear; instead, back away slowly; if you’re in a group, remain with the group. Bears sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. If that happens, avoid the inclination to run. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact and slowly back away.
• If the bear refuses to leave, back away slowly to shelter.

Ring, the owner of the Neighbors app, is a Patch advertiser. Patch received no compensation for this article.