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Deputies: Bear spotted in Fleming Island neighborhood

If you see the bear, do not approach it.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office was in for an interesting experience on Monday morning when they got a call about a bear roaming around Hibernia Road in Fleming Island.

"You never know what a day in Clay County may consist of," they said in a Facebook post. "Some of our deputies are currently assisting Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) around Hibernia Road, concerning this bear who was spotted this morning. Give FWC or our agency a call should you see the bear."

The picture raised some concern for a man who lives in the area.

“If I saw it in person, it’d scare me.”

Chris Berit is wowed by the thought of a black bear in his neighborhood.

“I’d give him a wide berth and stay out of his way,” Berit said.

That’s exactly what FWC is recommending when there’s another sighting.

The bear was spotted miles from Paterson Elementary School in a residential area around Hibernia Road.

They believe the bear is around two years old and could be a dispersing yearling, a bear just leaving their mother’s side.

An FWC spokesperson says officers were in the area but their active search is done.

They’re hoping the bear will return to its regular habitat.

The FWC says residents should lock up birdfeeders, pet food and garbage to keep bears away.

If you see a bear, do not approach it. The FWC recommends you scare the bear away from a safe distance, scare the bear by clapping, yelling or making loud noises.

If a bear is close to you, the FWC says you should stand upright with arms raised back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice.

Berit says his neighborhood has thick forest around it.

He hopes the wildlife and residents can cohabitate peacefully.

“You just never know what you’re going to find in that area,” Berit said.

If you spot the bear, do not approach it. You can report incidents online on FWC's website or call 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Credit: Facebook

Here are some tips to help keep bears away from your home:

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