Crews from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation were able to capture a wild black bear that was seen in Cutler Bay.
Officials were notified to the animal’s location near SW 86th Court and 207th Avenue on Friday after a nearby business said they saw the bear on their surveillance camera from the night before.
The bear was eventually captured after a search of the area. FWC determined that it was a wild bear after checking with nearby facilities that house similar animals to see if they had reported any bears missing.
The animal was taken to Zoo Miami, where FWC has an office, until they can determine what do with it.
"I want to thank Cutler Bay Police and FWC for protecting the community by acting so quickly to tranquilize and remove the bear from the tree. I am glad no one was hurt and the bear was safely captured without harm," Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell said in a statement. "In the over 35 years I have lived here I have seen many wild animals such as alligators, crocodiles, otters and birds, even a wild boar on the turnpike, but this is the first bear sighting and capture."
