The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating an incident where a bear attacked a man in Eastpoint in Franklin County on Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. EST.
Charles Griffin was walking near the Sportsman’s Lodge Motel and Marina when he encountered a bear near the lodge’s dumpster. The bear slashed him on the arm and Griffin fell down.
Griffin transported himself to George E. Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola, where he was treated and received several stitches. He was treated and released the same evening.
FWC law enforcement officers and biologists immediately responded to the scene and are conducting trapping efforts.
The FWC reminds residents in this area to be aware of their surroundings. The FWC relies on residents to report threatening bear behavior to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends the following: If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice. Back up slowly toward a secure area, and be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route. Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear. Do not run or play dead. If a black bear attacks you, fight back aggressively.
Related: More than 300 bears killed over two-day bear hunt in Florida (WCTV)
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