Bear Death Alerts Need for Immediate Wildlife Help

A bear rested in a man’s backyard pond in Golden Gate Estates on and off for about a week before the man learned the bear was nursing his wounds there. 

To avoid injury, Don Bartschi did as wildlife officials advised and kept his distance from the large bear. Bartschi posted to Facebook on Sunday, January 19 that a Florida black bear had been in his pond each day for several days and that he had contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission right away. Bartschi noticed from a distance each day that the bear would come and go. But something didn’t seem right.  

He posted video of the bear in the pond to Facebook and people encouraged he continue to reach out to FWC. Due to the post, more residents also contacted FWC about their concern for the bear.  

Later Sunday evening, FWC did arrive to the property and assessed the adult male bear. The bear had been using the pond to soothe serious injuries. 

FWC biologists believed upon examination that the bear had been struck by a vehicle. 

“He had a broken leg and was missing part of his foot. He also had a gunshot wound. They removed a .22 caliber bullet from him,” Bartschi said. “Unfortunately, he had to be put down,” Bartschi added. 

The wounds were badly infected, he explained. 

FWC officials later confirmed that their bear management and law enforcement staff responded. “After evaluating the bear, it was determined that it had severe injuries, and the bear was humanely euthanized,” said Lisa Thompson, an FWC communications officer. 

“After the bear was euthanized, FWC staff detected an old, small caliber bullet in the bear’s abdomen that was not related to the bear’s other injuries. The bullet was old and not a recent wound,” said Thompson. 

Some commenters suggested this was an example of why the law allowing bears to be shot should be rescinded given the low-caliber ammunition used to harm this bear.  

Until July 1, 2024, it was illegal to use lethal methods unless all other attempts, including capture by FWC, were unsuccessful, according to Florida statute, 68A-4.009. Now, a person may injure or kill a bear to protect themselves, people, pets, or a dwelling.  

The self-defense act requires a person to notify FWC within 24 hours if they have injured or killed a bear. 

The Florida black bear was a state threatened species in 1974 and by 2012 it was removed from the threatened species list, per FWC recommendations.  

The outcry on Facebook continued the next day following Bartschi’s initial post, with Bartschi explaining that euthanizing the bear was difficult for the FWC officer as well. This bear was tagged and known by other residents in the area. 

Bartschi encouraged people use this bear’s suffering as a reminder to contact help right away and not to fear doing so. 

Officials from multiple agencies consistently request people seek help for animals immediately. The sooner an animal gets care the better. 

“FWC’s Bear Management Program works with several permitted partner organizations around the state that can assist with medical care and rehabilitation of orphaned black bear cubs, as well as other wildlife,” said Thompson. 

For human safety, FWC recommends keeping distance from a bear, even if believed to be injured or deceased. And FWC officials recommend that if you do come across a bear, back away slowly. Sounds from a bear are not usually a signal of immediate attack, but rather a warning to back away.