ESTERO, Fla. — In the heart of Florida, the sight of a bear wandering close by may be commonplace, yet it still manages to ignite a rush of adrenaline. This unexpected thrill came for Tony and Christian Tenuto, residents of the Stoneybrook community, right after the holiday festivities had dwindled.
“My wife was apparently whisper-yelling my name. She was saying ‘Tony, Tony, Tony,’” he recounted, his voice tinged with disbelief. “Didn’t hear anything until she said ‘BEAR,’ and suddenly I was wide awake, asking, ‘What? Where?!’”
WATCH THE FAMILY’S CLOSE ENCOUNTER BELOW:
A BEAR? Estero family has close encounter
What they witnessed was not merely a bear, but a curious creature rummaging through festive remnants, sniffing for elusive scraps just a few feet away. Christian described the spectacle, “He just got every single garbage can and knocked it all down.” The scene was both alarming and absurd, as holiday cheer was turned into bear buffet.
This encounter wasn’t just a chance meeting; it had the Tenutos reflecting on their surroundings. It’s worth noting that interactions between bears and people are on the rise as human habitats increasingly infringe on wild lands. “The population of bears and humans is growing, so you’re bound to get more encounters,” said Christina Anaya, a Biology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Experts from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advise anyone encountering a bear unexpectedly to remain upright and step back slowly while gently communicating their presence. The organization emphasizes the importance of securing food sources: “If a bear eats something on your property, take note and secure it once the bear leaves. NEVER approach or surprise a bear.”
Reflecting on the bear’s demeanor, Tony shared, “He kinda just looked at us and didn’t care that we were there, and moseyed on to the neighbors.” In that moment, the bear transformed from a potential threat into a surreal visitor, indifferent to the humans watching from their doorsteps.
This incident serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between human life and the wild nature encroaching upon them. Florida, with its unique blend of urban sprawl and natural beauty, is home to fascinating creatures. Did you know that Florida’s bear population is among the largest in the southeastern United States, boasting an estimated 4,000 black bears? For residents like Tony and Christian, the unexpected joy and fear of living alongside such wildlife create stories to share, weaving the fabric of their lives into the rich tapestry of Estero’s wilderness.
