'This bear is stressed, depressed': Cops urge locals to stop selfie frenzy with troubled bear

"This bear is stressed, depressed, lemon zest," is how Florida authorities described a black bear recently spotted on the side of a highway. Social media updates from the Walton County Sheriff's Office reveal that the bear has been attracting a flurry of unwanted attention, with people stopping to take selfies, which has only added to the animal's distress.

Walton County Sheriff's Office deputies are keeping a close eye on a black bear spotted on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road 83 in Santa Rosa Beach.?

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The bear has become the center of unwanted attention, with onlookers crowding around and trying to snap selfies, despite the bear clearly not being in the mood for photos.?

Credit: X

"The bear has shown signs of severe stress," the sheriff's office warned in a post on X.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was called in after the sheriff's office reported "crowds of onlookers stopping to take photos of the bear."

By the time FWC officials arrived, the bear had already retreated into the woods. According to experts, the bear did not appear to be injured from the photos taken and might have been overheated, needing rest before continuing its journey.

Black bears are a common sight in Florida, especially during the spring and summer months. "Typically, bears will move along on their own. If you encounter a bear, give it space, don’t approach it, and never feed it," advised a spokesperson.?

"Crowding any bear can lead to defensive behavior. Always respect their space and keep a safe distance."

For the unversed, though bears have been depicted in culture commonly as a cuddly animal, in reality, bears are very powerful and unpredictable. They are equipped with strong muscles and sharp claws, which they use for foraging, climbing, and defending themselves.

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