Bear Goes Back to School, Gets Tranquilized

by
posted on March 24, 2016

Last fall, Florida hosted its first black bear hunt since 1994. State officials wound up shutting down the weeklong hunt after the second day, when harvest totals nearly reached quota they'd set. An uptick in the local bear population—and, accordingly, in human/bear interactions—is what initially led the state to consider allowing its first hunt in more than two decades. As you might imagine, though, the hunt hasn't completely curtailed run-ins with bruins. Earlier this week, a bear lumbered onto an elementary school campus, where wildlife officials ultimately had to tranquilize it.

According to USA Today, a 260-pound bear appeared on the grounds of Three Oak Elementary School in Fort Myers, Fla., on Wednesday, March 23. The bear was allegedly roaming the school grounds before a responding officer was able to run it up a tree, where it stayed until it could be tranquilized and relocated. 260 pounds isn't necessarily a big bear, but it's no cub, either. Fortunately, responding officials were well-prepared for dealing with a big ol' bruin, and things were wrapped up rather quietly. School dismissal was delayed a few minutes to ensure the bear was completely neutralized, but business, as a whole, went on as usual. You can check out the full report here.

The moral of the story, really, is that spring has sprung, and bears encounters are going to be popping up here and there. Be mindful of your surroundings, folks.

For more information, check out the video that I've embedded above or go to USAToday.com.

Latest

001 4BBT Holster 01
001 4BBT Holster 01

4 Reasons Big-Bore Revolvers Are Still Ideal Trail Guns

Although semi-automatic pistols have a place in the trail gun line up, revolvers still have their advantages.

First Look: Rise Reliant Bolt-Action Trigger

Rise Triggers has entered the bolt-action market with its first-ever trigger for the Remington 700 platform: the Reliant Hunter and Reliant Pro triggers.

NRA Announces New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the release of its newly revised edition of the NRA Club Leadership & Development Online Course.

USDA Order is a Win for Wildlife

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum to conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity in the United States, directing agencies within the USDA to consider habitat connectivity in planning and programs in a manner that recognizes State and Tribal authorities and respects private property rights.

Review: Beretta BRX1

Beretta calls the BRX1 the fastest manually operated repeating platform on the market. Quick barrel, bolt and magazine swaps and adjustable ergonomics make it a distinct alternative to the classic turn-bolt for just about anyone, and ambidextrous controls make the rifle an attractive choice for lefties.

Are Premium Steel Waterfowl Shells Worth the Price?

With prices approaching those of bismuth—a superior shot-making material—are top-tier steel loads worth the cost? Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.