A forlorn black bear sitting by the side of Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, on Thursday captured the attention of passersby, leading to police warnings against taking selfies with the animal. The bear, which appeared to be sulking under a telephone pole, drew a crowd of onlookers who underestimated the potential danger.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office shared photos of the bear on Facebook, noting its unusual behavior and the public’s risky attempts to get close. “Famous last words, ‘If not friend, why friend shaped?’” the sheriff’s office quipped, urging people to stay away. They added, “Because this black bear is stressed, depressed, lemon zest,” highlighting the animal’s stressed state.
Experts quickly pointed out that the bear was showing clear signs of severe stress. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) dispatched biologists to investigate, but the bear had already moved back into the forest by the time they arrived.
An FWC representative explained to The Guardian, “The bear did not appear to be injured. It may have just been overheated and was resting before moving on.” Black bears are frequently seen in Florida during the warmer months as young bears seek new habitats away from their mothers.
Despite widespread knowledge of bear safety, the bear’s sad demeanor led many to ignore safety guidelines. One Facebook comment read, “Poor guy… I can see how deceptive the level of danger is…he just looks like he needs a hug, or a big pot of honey.”
Another commenter lamented the impact of habitat loss, writing, “Awe poor guy looks so sad and defeated with all the trees being cut down they are being forced where people are! Very sad.”
The authorities continue to remind the public that wild animals, no matter how harmless they may appear, can be dangerous. They urge everyone to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and avoiding any actions that could provoke an aggressive response.
