A Florida resident was in for a shock when a bear sauntered into her backyard, opened the fridge, and left with an alcoholic beverage. The unusual encounter was captured on the home's security cameras.
The incident unfolded over the past weekend in Golden Gate Estates, a residential area near Naples, Florida, as reported by WSVN 7News. The bear managed to enter the backyard through an unlocked exterior door. Once inside, the curious creature explored the area until it discovered a refrigerator, which it opened to snag a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage. According to Gulf Coast, the bear helped itself to a Sun Cruiser, a brand made with real iced tea, lemonade, and premium vodka.
Celine Emerson, the homeowner, learned of the bear's visit when she noticed the refrigerator door left ajar. "I turned around and saw the fridge open. I yelled to my husband to check the cameras," she told the American media outlet.
The footage revealed the unexpected guest leisurely roaming her property. The bear didn't stop at the fridge; it also rummaged through the garbage in the front yard for about half an hour, finding leftover food.
"It spent 30 minutes eating from the trash. I figured it must have been thirsty," Emerson remarked with humor.
A towering bear encounter
Emerson recounted that the bear's presence was both astonishing and frightening, especially when she saw its size on the footage. "It was a bit terrifying to see it here. When it stood up, it looked about six feet tall," she described, referring to an approximate height of 1.83 meters.
On Sunday morning, she also discovered a large paw print on a patio countertop. Although no one was harmed during the encounter, Emerson admitted the experience prompted her to rethink her home's security measures.
She acknowledged that her family wasn't in the habit of locking the exterior door but vowed to be more cautious, especially as her granddaughter grows up.
Why are bears venturing into Florida homes?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) states that black bears increase their food intake significantly in the fall to build fat reserves for the winter. During this time, they may spend up to 20 hours a day searching for food, which raises the likelihood of them wandering into neighborhoods and residential areas.
Authorities advise keeping garbage containers securely closed, storing pet food properly, cleaning grills, and ensuring exterior doors and access points are locked. They also warn that leaving food accessible can lead to bears returning repeatedly, escalating the risk of dangerous encounters.
In Florida, it is illegal to intentionally feed bears or leave food and waste that attract them and cause conflicts with humans.
The video of the incident can be viewed in the original WSVN 7News report.
Understanding Bear Behavior in Florida
Why do bears enter residential areas in Florida?
Bears often enter residential areas in Florida during the fall when they are actively seeking food to build fat reserves for the winter. This increased food search can lead them to explore neighborhoods in search of easy meals.
How can residents prevent bears from visiting their homes?
Residents can prevent bears from visiting their homes by securely closing garbage containers, storing pet food indoors, cleaning grills, and ensuring that all exterior access points are locked to avoid attracting bears.
What should you do if you encounter a bear in your yard?
If you encounter a bear in your yard, remain calm and give the bear space to leave. Do not approach or attempt to feed the bear, and ensure all garbage and food sources are removed to prevent future visits.