Watch: Florida bear takes a dip in the ocean, naps in beachfront condo
Spring is a busy time for Florida black bears and they can be found in unexpected places, wildlife officials warn. A 300-pound black bear enjoyed a beach trip in Naples and a morning nap in the shade before it was apprehended by wildlife biologists.
Bear takes a dip in the Gulf near Naples, Florida
A Florida black bear cooled off in the water off Naples, Florida on May 30 to the amusement of beachgoers. The bear then walked into a condo building where is was captured by fish and wildlife officers.
NAPLES, Fla. – Sharks aren't the only thing beachgoers need to be on the lookout for in Florida this summer after a black bear was spotted taking a dip in the Gulf waters off Naples over the weekend.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), black bears are more active in the spring in Florida as they search for food and water. Young bears between 1 and 2 years old might be spotted in unexpected areas as they move away from their mothers and find a new spot to settle down.
A Florida black bear in the Gulf near Naples, Florida on May 30, 2025.
(Kylie Nelson via Storyful)
On Friday, two people – a mother and son – saw an unexpected creature emerging from the sea. Video taken by Kylie Nelson shows the bear swimming up to the beach and then taking a stroll.
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"Mom, run!" Nelson’s son said as the bear approached the shoreline.
FWC officials said the 300-pound male bear was later spotted by construction workers at a condominium on Gulf Shore Boulevard when it sauntered in for a morning nap.
The bear was seen inside the building still sleeping before FWC Bear Management and Law Enforcement officials arrived.
Biologists with FWC sedated the bear and captured it for relocation. FWC veterinary staff will assess the bear before it is released.
Officials warn visitors and residents to be on the lookout for more bears as their breeding season runs from June to August. During this time, male bears can be more active while out looking for a mate.