JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police report getting three calls Thursday from people reporting seeing a bear near the area of Edgewood Avenue and Avenue B.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified and they urged anyone who sees the bear to “not approach or agitate.”
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Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said the bear is a juvenile and weighs about 75 pounds.
Black bears are not uncommon in Florida, but rare in populated areas. Five years ago, FWC estimated there were close to 4,000 in the state.
People who see the bear to call their non-emergency number, 904-630-0500, or the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC.
**PSA** Northwest #Jax #JSO has responded to 3 calls today in reference to a “large bear” sighting near Edgewood & Ave B. @MyFWC has been made aware. Please call 904-630-0500 if sighted and do not approach or agitate bear. Go to https://t.co/IR30lc5SW3 for more safety tips. pic.twitter.com/vpHM48n8xl
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) July 9, 2020