Move out day is around the corner for the four-legged residents who have called Florida Gulf Coast University campus’ home for the last couple of weeks.
After recent sightings of bears at the university, FGCU’s University Police Department (UPD) released an email on July 2 to the FGCU community that the Estero campus is working with Florida Wildlife Control (FWC) to remove the bears.
“We encourage you to continue caution as you navigate campus, especially boardwalks, pathways and facilities located near our conservation areas and preserves,” said Craig W. Kowalski, UPD Chief of Police.
On Tuesday (July 1), FWC staff removed one bear on campus and relocated it to a suitable habitat. However, it was only one of the alleged three bears spotted meandering FGCU over the last three weeks.
The bears were first spotted on campus on June 21 roaming North Lake Village (NLV), a residence designated for FGCU upper classmen, digging through students’ trash.
It wasn’t until June 24 when FGCU sent an “Eagle Alert” informing students, faculty and support staff on their phones about the possible danger: “Eagle Alert: Bears seen near North Lake Village area, searching for trash. Please exercise caution. Use trash compactor no-trash bags in breezeways open dumpsters.”
Nick Martin, a senior majoring in marine biology, took photos and videos of the bears that led to the campus-wide alert on June 23. These videos showed bears meandering in North Lake Village area.
“A bit of shock because I had never seen a Florida black bear before,” Martin said. “I first spotted one last night in North Lake, rummaging through the recycling bins in front of [Residence Hall] R. Then, earlier this afternoon, I saw two more while walking back from classes on the boardwalk.”
The bears were observed in North Lake Village revealed a concerning trend at FGCU.
“According to the University Police Department, UPD received six calls about bear sightings this past year, and eight calls about bear sightings in the last five years,” FGCU spokesperson Rubi Olvera said.
In the July 2 email, UPD reiterated the reason for the increased bear sightings in North Lake Village is trash left in breezeway and open dumpsters around the upper classman housing area.
“Improper trash can further attract bears to the area,” said Kowalski. “Please continue to place your trash in the disposal compactors located throughout campus.”
This is the second major incident of an animal being a nuisance on campus this year.
On March 16, a six-foot alligator took a stroll on the boardwalk connecting South Village (SoVi), a housing area designated for freshman and first year students, and the Bower School of Music & the Arts, located on FGCU’s main campus, forcing many students to take a detour on their way to class. UPD safely removed the large reptile.
This spotting of the bears on campus that led to the “Eagle Alert” comes a month after a 263-pound male bear killed a 89-year-old man and his dog in Collier County. The death marked the first fatal bear attack in recorded Florida history. For more information you can read the full story about the incident here.
What to do if you spot a bear?
UPD and FWC provided the following guidance if a member of the FGCU community runs into a bear around campus.
If you see a bear, or any other animal on campus, immediately report its location to UPD by calling (239) 590-1900.
The fall semester at FGCU starts on August 18.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: FWC to the rescue: Trappers remove one of the nuisance bears roaming FGCU campus.
Reporting by Jeffrey Hrunka, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
