It’s not just humans who are drawn to the unique charms of Downtown St. Augustine.
A black bear was spotted strolling down St. George Street Tuesday morning before exiting the hustle and bustle of the Old City’s commercial hub and heading out to Lincolnville for some peace and quiet.
The animal’s shocking presence came to light in the early morning hours after it strolled by stunned St. Augustine Police Chief Jennifer Michaux as she was walking near Cathedral Place and preparing to start her day.
Stunning video shows the creature clambering over a whitewashed fence on St. George Street and casually taking in the sights in the predawn quiet.
“He’s on St. George between Treasury and Cathedral right now,” an officer can be heard saying.
St. Augustine Police spokesperson Dee Brown told the Citizen that the bear then sauntered to a wooded area behind the Council on Aging in Lincolnville where it came to a rest.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of a bear in St. Augustine in my 15 years,” Brown said. “We don’t know where it came from.”
As of 7:45 a.m., police units had located the animal and stood sentry nearby.
“He’s relaxing right now,” Brown said. “He’s not making any sudden movements.”
Brown said officers were awaiting the arrival of Florida Wildlife Commission to help relocate the bear.
“It’s important to keep a respectful distance and never run,” the agency cautioned residents in a Facebook post. “Black bears prefer to avoid people and will usually move on quickly.”
While their population has rebounded in recent decades, there are only an estimated 4,000 black bears roaming Florida.
The Citizen will update this story as details emerge.
