Associated Press Release
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. (AP) -- Officials say a grizzly bear cub that escaped from his southwest Florida home earlier this week has been safely captured.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that the 125-pound cub was found Friday afternoon a few miles from his home. The bear is one of three owned by a couple that takes them to fairs and exhibits around the country.
The bear escaped early Tuesday afternoon from A Grizzly Experience, a licensed facility in Golden Gate Estates. Neighbors spotted the animal Thursday evening, and FWC focused its search in that area Friday.
The bear was returned to its facility, but officials still want to determine how it escaped to prevent it from happening again.
It wasn't immediately clear if criminal charges would be filed.
Associated Press Release
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. (AP) -- An escaped bear cub has been seen roaming a wooded area in the Naples area.
Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are helping a local captive wildlife owner find the 125-pound cub after it escaped from a facility Tuesday afternoon in Golden Gate Estates. Wildlife officials are also asking residents to report any sightings.
Wildlife supervisor Capt. Mitts Mravic says residents shouldn't approach the bear if they see it. Any information "on a direction of travel for the bear will be helpful to law enforcement."
The cub is likely in a wooded area on the owner's property or a neighboring property. But wildlife officials say it could potentially travel in search of food.
The commission is also looking into the cause of the escape.
