Man Jumps In And Swims Toward Bear He Sees Struggling In The Water

A huge black bear wandered into a residential area in Alligator Point, Florida. Wildlife officers knew they would have to remove the bear quickly, but this is where things went terribly wrong.

The safest and easiest way to remove the bear from the residential area would be to tranquilize and relocate it.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

But the dart made the bear panic and it headed toward the ocean.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

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

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission, saw what was going on and knew he had to do something.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

He swam to the bear and stopped it from advancing.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of 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 and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

The bear came at Adam to try and stay afloat on top of him. But the bears legs were becoming too weak.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

He grabbed the bear by the scruff of the neck keeping its head above water.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

Adam stayed calm and didn’t give up.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

He then dragged the 400 lb bear about 25 yards to land!

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

Here they are finally making their way out of the water.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

He suffered only one scratch from the bear and a cut on his foot.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

At this point, other team members came to help.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

They were able to use a tractor bucket to lift the bear and transport it back to its home in the Osceola National Forest.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

The bear was now safe and sound. Call me crazy, but I think that’s a look of appreciation on his face. 🙂

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

This is more like it! He’s happy to be home.

Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

I’m exhausted just reading this! I can’t imagine holding its head above water and dragging it back to land. What a hero!



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