Florida man and his dog injured by a bear in front yard

Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal

PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Florida man was injured when he intervened in his dog's encounter with a bear Sunday.

The man let his dog out into the front yard where it found the bear. The dog was injured, and when the man approached, the bear swatted him. The man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released from Gulf Breeze Hospital last night. Injuries to the dog also were not life threatening.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and biologists are investigating the incident, collecting evidence and have initiated trapping efforts in the area of Gulf Breeze, Fla. FWC and staff will remain in the area to speak with residents and continue trapping efforts.

Florida has a robust and growing black bear population. For more information on Florida black bears, visit MyFWC.com/Bear.