Elusive bear spotted roaming around Naples area

NAPLES, Fla. – A bear who first was spotted roaming around Naples Friday morning has been seen all over Collier County since.

The bear was last spotted at Doc’s Beach House Monday after being seen at the Ritz Carlton Saturday night. 

Collier County deputies received a 911 Saturday call saying, “Calling from Ritz Carlton Beach Resort, we have a black bear that’s cornered in our front drive area right next to one of the golf storage rooms.” 

Naples Police believe he swam over from Keewaydin Island and began traveling north. 

The bear ended up exploring one of Naples’s most expensive neighborhoods, then he lost law enforcement as he took off towards the Naples Beach Hotel, ending up seven miles north at the Ritz Carolton Saturday night. 

People who live in the area are a bit concerned. 

“I am a little worried that my dog might get eaten by this bear,” Brad Halloway said.

New England visitors say it feels like home. 

“We are from New England and we don’t even see bears too much where we live so seeing one here in Naples is pretty strange,” Marie Justo said. 

FGCU Associate Professor in Biological Sciences Dr. Billy Gunnels says this wildlife appearance is bound to happen again. 

“We are going to see more and more wildlife interaction as we move further and further into their habitats,” Dr. Gunnels said. 

Dr. Gunnels says bears can travel seven to 10 miles daily, this bear’s tracks it seems he is doing just that. 

FWC is not searching for the bear anymore so it’s important to keep an eye out for him. 

“The bear is going to try to avoid you but if trapped or it’s injured a bear may not and we don’t want to see anyone get hurt,” Dr. Gunnels said. 

If you see the bear call 911 and FWC.

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