He Refused To Watch This Bear Drown, So He Went In After It

A 400 pound black bear wandered into a residential neighborhood in Florida. Wildlife officers had to sedate the bear to safely relocate him, and that's when things began to go horribly wrong.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

The tranquilizer dart sent the bear into a panic and he ran towards the ocean, evading officers.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

As he swam further and further out into the Gulf, he became drowsy and started to drown.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

But Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission, wasn't about to let that happen.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Adam went in after the bear to stop him from going under...



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

"It was a spur of the moment decision. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping when I saw the bear in the water."



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

He knew the risk considering the bear was scared and could have easily became aggressive to defend itself.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

But the bear seemed to know it was in good hands.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Adam's determination finally got the bear back into shallow water.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

And suffered only a scratch from the brave rescue.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Once they reached the shore, other team members came to help.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

The team was able to use a tractor bucket to transport the poor guy back to his home in Osceola National Forest.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Adam rode with him back home...



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Where he is safe and happy again.



Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Via Distractify