Bears Still Appearing in Central Florida at Start of Winter

Bears are staying more active through winter.

Bears are continuing to appear in central Florida even though winter has officially begun.

Orlando's WESH reports bears are at least in slight hibernation mode at this time of the year. But food could keep them up and looking for more.

A bear was spotted in a tree in an Orange County neighborhood on Friday. Overall, more than 500 people have called to report bears in Orange and Seminole counties since October, in spite of the start of the region's cooler months.

Bear biologist Mike Orlando says bears are staying more active all through winter in areas where they have access to garbage, dog food and bird seed. He urged residents to make sure they properly store any potential food source for the animals.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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