A Bear Swims On A Busy Beach In Destin, Florida

Image: jennsing80

A young black bear swam at a crowded beach in Destin, Florida on Sunday, June 12, 2023. The bear was spotted swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near the shore, and it swam past several people who were sunbathing on the beach. The bear eventually made its way to shore and ran away into the dunes.

Image: jennsing80

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said that it is not unusual to see black bears swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, but it is unusual to see them swimming in such a crowded area. The FWC said that the bear was likely looking for food or water.

The bear that swam to the beach in Destin was a juvenile male. The bear was estimated to be about 2 years old and weighed about 100 pounds and is likely that the bear was searching for a new home after being separated from its mother. The bear was not injured, and it was not captured by the FWC. The bear was last seen running off into the dunes.

The FWC reminded people that it is important to keep their distance from bears and to not feed them. Bears that become accustomed to getting food from people can become aggressive. The bear's swim at the beach was a surprise to many people, but it was a reminder that Florida is home to a variety of wildlife.

The FWC said it is important to stay away from bears and to give them plenty of space. If you see a bear, do not approach it. Instead, call the FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).