Over the last several days, a mother black bear and her cub have been spotted in and around the dumpsters at Barclay Place. Sightings have occurred in the late evening and early morning hours. We want residents to be aware of the presence of these animals to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Please make every effort to remove any food source for the bears. This includes making sure that dumpster lids remain CLOSED. We urge residents to be cautious when approaching a dumpster at night.

The Florida Wildlife Commission offers these tips:

• Store trash in secure area
• Bring pet food inside, store securely
• Clean grills and store them in a secure area
• Remove wildlife feeders if there is a bear in the area

Remember: Any food source that attracts dogs, cats or raccoons also can attract bears.

IF YOU SEE A BEAR

• Remain calm
• Stay away from the bear

The mere presence of a black bear does not necessarily represent a problem. The bear is most likely passing through and, if it doesn’t find food, will simply move on.

DON’T FEED THE BEAR

Bears usually avoid people but garbage or pet food left outside can easily draw bears to your home. Once bears get hooked on human food sources, they keep coming back. It is this access to nonnatural foods that can lead to dangerous situations for people, their property and the bears. These bears may have to be destroyed if the problem persists.

IF YOU HAVE A CLOSE ENCOUNTER

• Remain standing upright
• Avoid direct eye contact
• Back up slowly and
• Speak in a calm, assertive, assuring voice
• Make sure the bear has an escape route
• Do not run from the bear

BEAR SAFETY TIPS

• Do not feed the bear Never approach the bear
• Leave the area if you are blocking a food source or travel corridor
• Keep your eyes on the bear
• If the bear is not aware of you, leave the area

A bear may huff, snap its jaws and swat the ground. This behavior means the bear is uncomfortable and you are too close. Slowly back away. Do not run.

Please pay careful attention to the above information. The Board of Directors has notified the authorities about the presence of these animals. Now, we must all do our part to see that food sources are removed so that the bears leave our community and return to nature.

The Board of Directors at Barclay Place