A Unique Encounter in DeLand: When a Dog and a Bear Met
A couple from DeLand recently found themselves in an unusual situation when they believe their dog may have scared a bear up a tree in their backyard. The incident, which took place on a Friday night, left the couple both surprised and intrigued.
As the evening progressed, the couple noticed their dog barking intensely. Curious about what could be causing such a commotion, they turned on a flashlight and looked outside. What they saw was unexpected—a bear had climbed up one of the trees in their yard. This sighting immediately raised questions about how the animal ended up in their backyard and what might have prompted it to climb the tree.
The couple believes that their dog, named Oso, which means “bear” in Spanish, might have been the reason the bear climbed the tree. They think the dog’s loud barking could have startled the animal, leading it to seek safety in the branches above.
After the initial shock, the couple decided to go to bed, assuming the bear would eventually come down on its own. However, the following morning at 6 a.m., they let their dog out again, and once more, the barking started. The bear had remained in the tree throughout the night, seemingly undisturbed by the couple’s presence.
Catherine Zewalski, one of the residents, shared her experience with the encounter. She mentioned that while she had seen bears before, this particular situation was still quite surprising. “The first time we saw a bear was shocking. We moved from New Jersey, and we had never seen a bear ever, ever, ever. To just literally have a bear right in your backyard was shocking enough,” she said.
By 9 a.m. on Saturday, a representative from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived to assist with the situation. However, by the time the agent arrived, the bear had already descended from the tree on its own. The couple expressed relief that the situation did not escalate further.
Despite the unexpected encounter, the couple emphasized that they follow all the guidelines to prevent wildlife from being attracted to their home. They ensure that no trash or food is left outside and that their garbage bins are stored inside the garage. Their efforts seem to have paid off, as the bear appeared to be acting naturally and not seeking any human interaction.
This unique event highlights the importance of living in harmony with nature, especially in areas where wildlife is common. While the experience was certainly unusual, it also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the world around us.
For those living in regions where bears are present, it’s essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid conflicts. This incident in DeLand serves as a case study in how even a simple act, like a dog barking, can lead to unexpected wildlife encounters.
