Bear Spotted Miles Away; Safety Harbor Park Reopened

SAFETY HARBOR, FL — Philippe Park at 2525 Philippe Parkway in Safety Harbor reopened Thursday at noon after the park was closed following a sighting of a Florida black by a park ranger Tuesday.

Over the last two days, Pinellas County sheriff's deputies, parks staff and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission secured the park and attempted to locate the bear.

On Thursday, the FWC verified two sightings of the bear several miles away, moving in the direction of a more suitable habitat.

If you see a black bear, the FWC recommends not moving toward the bear. If encountered at close range, you should remain standing upright, speak to the bear in a calm and assertive voice, slowly back up toward a secure area, leaving the bear a clear escape route and avoid direct eye contact.

Stop and hold your ground if your movement appears to irritate, rather than calm, the bear. Do not make any sudden movements, run, play dead, climb a tree or approach or surprise a bear.

Bear sightings can be reported to the FWC's Southwest Regional Office at 863-648-3200.

See related story: Bear Scare: Philippe Park Closed After 2nd Bear Sighting: VIDEO