Imagine spotting a black bear struggling in the water. Would you swim towards it or move away? And if you realized the bear was drowning, would you have the courage to save it?
Wildlife officers in Florida received a report about a bear roaming the area. The team planned to tranquilize the bear before transporting it to a rescue area. They prepared the tranquilizer and set off to where the bear was last seen.
Upon firing the tranquilizer, the bear panicked and ran away. The rescue team managed to shoot the dart properly, but the bear was quick to flee. Scared and confused, the bear headed towards the ocean to escape.
The bear began swimming, but the tranquilizer started taking effect. Sightings of black bears have increased in recent years. They usually avoid people but are attracted to areas with food sources. Proper management of food and garbage is crucial for peaceful coexistence between humans and bears.
Knowing the black bear could drown, biologist Adam Warwick acted instinctively. Adam jumped into the water and swam toward the bear. He knew the bear needed help, even though it put him at risk. Warwick did not hesitate to rescue the bear. As he reached out, the bear pounced on him, but fortunately, the sedative had started to take effect.
Adam arrived just in time as the bear could no longer swim on its own. He swam towards the shore, carrying the nearly 400-pound bear. Despite the bear’s attempt to attack, Adam only suffered minor scratches. By the time they reached the shore, the bear was fully asleep, exhausted and medicated from the tranquilizer.
Once the bear was secured on the coast, the team followed the necessary protocol to transfer it to the facility. The bear was eventually moved to Osceola National Forest. Thumbs up to Adam for his commitment during the rescue operation!
Toledo, United States.
