Close encounter with black bear caught on camera

LONGWOOD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Startling video of a huge black bear coming extremely close to a person was sent to Florida Fish & Wildlife Tuesday, quickly catching their attention.

"The video was very concerning, this is a wild animal, this is not a dog or cat and when a wild animal that large is that close to you, it's very concerning," said Greg Workman of Florida Fish & Wildlife.

FWC officials say the video is concerning because they say it appears the bear has lost its fear of humans, likely because food is available in this area - the video shows the bear staring right into the camera and coming very close to whoever is holding it. As a result of the video, FWC biologists are now being sent to the area of Markham Woods to conduct bear trapping and community outreach.

This particular community is an area where there's a lot of bear activity, and our bear management team and biologists our out canvassing the neighborhood and letting citizens of that area and residents of that area know that there's bear activity and just to be extra alert.

FWV hasn't released what specific area in Markham Woods this video was shot in, but are urging resident to be vigilant.

"The biggest thing is trash and your trash receptacle, make sure they're being secured and not left out for a bear," Workman said.