Black Bear Spotted in Oceanfront Community

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL -- A black bear roaming across a scenic oceanfront community is the talk of the town.

For local resident DeAnn Johnson, the talk of the bear became a face to face encounter early Thursday morning.

"I was on my usual morning bike ride along this path near my home," said Johnson, pointing to a slight curve in the path ending at a small wooden bridge.

"I looked ahead and at first I thought it was a big dog... But then he turned and I saw his snout and I realized it was a bear!"

Johnson said the bear just turned away from her and started walking off. She says she did the same with her bicycle.

"And I think I pedaled faster than I've ever pedaled in my life!" she exclaimed.

A short while later, the police department got other calls saying the bear was on the 2500 block of Atlantic Boulevard.

"It was right by the entrance to Fort Clinch State Park," said Fernandina Beach Police Captain David Bishop.

"We're pretty certain that's where the bear went. There are miles and miles of dense woods and trails. It would be a perfect place for a bear to live and not be bothered."

Both police and Fish and Wildlife urge anyone who may encounter the bear to leave it alone, as it is not perceived to be dangerous.

The bear, describes as a young adult, is believed to be the same animal spotted several weeks ago on Jacksonville's Westside.

"We're pretty certain this is a bear that was relocated from a populated area in south Florida to the Pinhook area on the north end of the Osceola National Forest," said State Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Karen Parker.

"We believe this young male may have been chased out of Osceola by older, larger bears as mating season is underway, and he is simply doing what bears do naturally -- roaming about five miles each day looking for a mate and place to call home."

For DeAnn Johnson, the bear provided the bike ride of her life.

"I've been riding in my neighborhood for years but I've never seen anything like it!"

On July 7, a black bear was spotted on the Westside on Timuquana Road near Seaboard Avenue.

CLICK HERE to read more about being 'Bear Aware.'

CLICK HERE to read more about bear spotting in Fernandina Beach.

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