PINELLAS COUNTY, FL. – Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources closed Philippe Park today after a black bear that has been previously spotted in Safety Harbor was seen in the park this morning.
The park will remain closed today while Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies, park staff, and members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) secure the park and attempt to capture the bear.
Citizens are encouraged to avoid the park and access, including the walk-in gates, will be restricted.
If you see a black bear, 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. Human-bear conflicts can be reported to the FWC’s Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200.
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