Black bear spotted right outside of North Port home

NORTH PORT — A black bear made an appearance at a North Port home over the weekend, according to North Port Police.

North Port Police responded to a report of a bear along the 6000 block of Tidwell Street in the North Port Estates area.

According to officials, the caller said he had seen the bear on his trail camera in the past, but now the bear is coming closer to his house.

The bear was caught on a camera approaching the front door of the home.

A post from the NPPD stated residents in the area should secure trash cans and other food sources. Doing so will prevent the bear from easily finding food.

"This is not the first time a bear has been sighted in North Port," North Port Police Public Information Officer Josh Taylor said. "The Carlton (Reserve) is right across the street with thousands of acres. We just want to make sure residents in the area are taking as many precautions as possible to reduce interactions."

FWC has been made aware of the situation, according to NPPD officials.

They have advised residents to contact them if the bear is sighted in the area.

For more information on FWC protocols regarding black bears, visit

myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear.