Connect with us

Florida

Alaskan bears found more than 3,600 miles away from home in Florida

Published

on

Alaskan bears found more than 3,600 miles away from home in Florida


OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – Two Kodiak bear cubs native to southern Alaska were found wandering on a rural Florida roadway, and the incident was captured on an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s body camera.

A local resident alerted authorities to the sighting on Dec. 5 and said it was a sight he had never seen before.

Their size and color were two indications that they weren’t dealing with a species native to Florida, but there remained many questions as to where the duo came from.

Advertisement

The pair appeared healthy and even tried to climb into a responding patrol car.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation confirmed the resident’s initial theory – the bears weren’t from Florida; they were actually Kodiak cubs from southern Alaska.

BEAR BRAWL IN FLORIDA YARD STUNS HOMEOWNER

The bears were taken to a secure facility, and information regarding the occasion was kept tight-lipped to protect the sanctity of the investigation.

It wasn’t until the last day of January that the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office revealed the circumstances that led to the bears traveling more than 3,600 miles.

Advertisement

According to investigators, it was determined that the bears escaped a nearby enclosure and that they were being housed by a local resident.

The FWC said that the resident now faces a list of violations but did not release the suspect’s identity.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game told the sheriff’s office that there are only about 3,500 Kodiak bears in existence and are subspecies of the more well-known brown and grizzly bears.

Advertisement

WATCH: BEAR COMES WITHIN INCHES OF A CHILD’S FACE DURING PICNIC

It remains unclear how someone was able to get the bears to Florida or when they’ll be transported back to The Last Frontier.

According to the state’s fish and game department, there are only about 3,500 Kodiak bears in existence, and they can stand over ten feet tall when on their hind legs.

There have been no additional reports of Kodiak bears wandering through Florida’s wilderness.



Source link

Florida

FuelFest kicks off at South Florida Fairgrounds this weekend

Published

on

FuelFest kicks off at South Florida Fairgrounds this weekend


One of the hottest car shows in South Florida kicks off this weekend at the South Florida Fairgrounds. FuelFest Founder Cody Walker and actor and singer Tyrese Gibson joined CBS News Miami on Friday morning to break down what you can expect to see at the popular event.



Source link

Continue Reading

Florida

Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold named in Florida court filing

Published

on

Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold named in Florida court filing


Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was named in a Florida court order that is connected to a robbery and kidnapping case. Court records show that the robbery and kidnapping were allegedly orchestrated by 23-year-old Boakai Hilton, by an associate of Arnold, in retaliation for two robberies that happened at an Airbnb Arnold was renting in Largo.



Source link

Continue Reading

Florida

Video: Injured Florida manatee rescued by authorities, receiving medical care at ZooTampa

Published

on

Video: Injured Florida manatee rescued by authorities, receiving medical care at ZooTampa


An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.

What we know:

Advertisement

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.

READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD

Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.

Advertisement

Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.

Advertisement

What we don’t know:

LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.

By the numbers:

Advertisement

As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.

Dig deeper:

Advertisement

Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.

READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week

The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.

Advertisement

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

FloridaManateesZooTampa



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending