A 400-Pound Black Bear Was Sinking in the Ocean as Everyone Watched — Until One Man Jumped Into the Ocean and Refused to Let It End That Way

Wild Visitors in Florida Neighborhoods

In Florida, it’s fairly common for wild animals to wander into towns while looking for food. But in one unforgettable incident in 2008, a black bear weighing nearly 400 pounds faced a terrifying situation that could have ended in tragedy.

Wildlife officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were called after the animal was spotted walking through a neighborhood near Alligator Point. To safely return the bear to its natural habitat, the team decided to use a tranquilizer dart.

A Plan Gone Wrong