FWC trappers euthanize a third adult bear in Eastpoint

State wildlife officials have trapped and euthanized a third adult black bear in Eastpoint.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Stan Kirkland said a large male bear was trapped Monday night in the vicinity of where 15 year old Leah Reeder was bitten and scratched by a black bear while walking her dog on December 21st.

Since the attack, FWC trappers have been working to catch and euthanize every adult black bear in Eastpoint.

This is an active time of year for black bears so there are multiple adult bears around Eastpoint looking for food in garbage cans and dog bowls.

So far two females and one male have been captured and killed – two cubs were relocated to Northeast Florida on Christmas Day.

DNA is taken from each of the bears to see if it matches DNA taken from Miss Reeder’s clothes after the attack.

In general, black bears have a natural fear of people but as their population grows and more of them venture into towns they lose that fear, especially if people actively feed them.

It is illegal to feed bears in Florida and is likely a death sentence for the bear.

To keep bears away from your home, make sure to store all food and garbage in secure areas or get a bear proof garbage can from your garbage company.

And if you are aware of bears that may pose a danger to people or of people feeding bears, you can call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report it.

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