Bear spotted in Grayton Beach State Park

kurt · 09-21-2009, 07:18 PM

My friend David D just called and said he saw one running across 30A, south toward the campground. Time to start tying food up in the trees and securing all garbage at GBSP.

seagrovegirl · 09-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Awww,Yogi.

Tootsie · 09-21-2009, 08:06 PM

the other day while walking trails in the Pt Washington woods, I started thinking about the black bears of SoWal - recently spotted here and there. eeek. made me a tad walk faster!

kkddbb · 09-22-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tootsie

the other day while walking trails in the Pt Washington woods, I started thinking about the black bears of SoWal - recently spotted here and there. eeek. made me a tad walk faster!

im on the pt washington trails all the time and bears arent the only things to keep an eye out for..... be cautious this time of year. but than again, i fear the hunters more than their prey

grace · 09-22-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkddbb

im on the pt washington trails all the time and bears arent the only things to keep an eye out for..... be cautious this time of year. but than again, i fear the hunters more than their prey

me too.
on a recent run i came upon a momma sow and 10-15 little piglets.
she was not happy about having to move her arse.
those little one sure did look tasty though.

Tootsie · 09-22-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkddbb

im on the pt washington trails all the time and bears arent the only things to keep an eye out for..... be cautious this time of year. but than again, i fear the hunters more than their prey

very true! I guess I've lived here so long I no longer worry much about snakes, gators (some trails run next to prime gator country back near my hood), and other wildlife. I know they do not want anything to do with me any more than I do with them. I guess I have never thought of black bears being one of those animals I just might see some day up close. saw one ages ago in Indian Pass digging in a dumpster - but I was safe in my car.

Smiling JOe · 09-22-2009, 08:58 AM

We could always consider putting some poison in an airplane sprayer and kill em.

(sarcasm off)

DavidD · 09-22-2009, 09:54 AM

Sorry it took me until this morning to talk about the bear sighting. Thanks Kurt for posting it.
Yesterday about 6:30 pm I was driving past the park entrance on 30A and not too far before the bridge (I think near the Ranger house), I spotted a medium/large sized black animal lope quickly across the street, heading south. At first I thought it was a giant, ungroomed, black standard poodle, or some kind of dog, but it wasn't running quite right and it had larger hind quarters. Then I realized it was a bear! I was blown away. I've lived here for about 14 years and have seen lots of animals (deer, coyote, fox, beaver, pigs, snakes) but this is my first bear sighting.
As soon as it crossed the road and went a little ways into the brush it stopped to hide. I drove back and spotted it again for a second before it hid deeper in the bushes.
I know that some people might freak out at a bear sighting, but I am glad to see wildlife still thriving in SoWal. The last beaver I saw near/on 30A was almost 10 years ago (and it was roadkill).

Tootsie · 09-22-2009, 09:56 AM

awesome davidd!

I always love seeing the deer - but fear for them as well. I love seeing the wildlife - they belong right here. gators, coyotes, along with dolphin and herons.. . love 'em.

Franny · 09-22-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidD

Sorry it took me until this morning to talk about the bear sighting. Thanks Kurt for posting it.
Yesterday about 6:30 pm I was driving past the park entrance on 30A and not too far before the bridge (I think near the Ranger house), I spotted a medium/large sized black animal lope quickly across the street, heading south. At first I thought it was a giant, ungroomed, black standard poodle, or some kind of dog, but it wasn't running quite right and it had larger hind quarters. Then I realized it was a bear! I was blown away. I've lived here for about 14 years and have seen lots of animals (deer, coyote, fox, beaver, pigs, snakes) but this is my first bear sighting.
As soon as it crossed the road and went a little ways into the brush it stopped to hide. I drove back and spotted it again for a second before it hid deeper in the bushes.
I know that some people might freak out at a bear sighting, but I am glad to see wildlife still thriving in SoWal. The last beaver I saw near/on 30A was almost 10 years ago (and it was roadkill).

That is exactly how I felt when we saw the bear near cr 395. It's just amazing!

kurt · 09-22-2009, 02:20 PM

Realtors and Mexicans disappearing, bears appearing. hmmmmmmmmmmm.....

jodiFL · 09-22-2009, 03:22 PM

I have a bad feeling that unless something is done quickly these poor animals might end up on the nuisance list and we all know what that means. Fish and Game or whoever needs to be aware that these animals are increasing in presence around here and start educating the public about securing garbage and dumpsters. They have a pretty good food supply around here without the dumpsters but add about 20 restaurant left-over laden dumpsters sitting there open all might and you have the makings of a disaster. I am not sure if bear proof dumpsters are available in this area but someone might want to look into it before it gets really bad around here.

DavidD · 09-22-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodiFL

I have a bad feeling that unless something is done quickly these poor animals might end up on the nuisance list and we all know what that means. Fish and Game or whoever needs to be aware that these animals are increasing in presence around here and start educating the public about securing garbage and dumpsters. They have a pretty good food supply around here without the dumpsters but add about 20 restaurant left-over laden dumpsters sitting there open all might and you have the makings of a disaster. I am not sure if bear proof dumpsters are available in this area but someone might want to look into it before it gets really bad around here.

This is a good point. All it takes is a few people to start getting nervous before a mob with torches and pitchforks starts canvasing the forests. The last bear/dumpster situation around here that I've heard of was maybe 11 years ago at the Donut Hole on 98. I'm not sure if I remember what happened as a result - I think that they may have captured it and released it on the Eglin preserve.

jensieblue · 09-22-2009, 04:35 PM

Let's rent a copy of the Yearling...I'll bring some pop corn. Hope the campers in Grayton have the food cans you hang in a tree to prevent bears coming to your food supply...I doubt these city folk know anything about bears.

Tootsie · 09-22-2009, 07:59 PM

this from a thread last year...

http://www.sowal.com/bb/sowal-lounge...lf-mexico.html

Biologist pulls doped bear from gulf

Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Biologist Adam Warwick holds a 375-pound black bear’s head above water as he guides the tranquilized animal to shore.

ALLIGATOR POINT — Adam Warwick watched with dread as the 375-pound black bear loped into the Gulf of Mexico....
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environ...icle650068.ece

Wavewatcher · 09-22-2009, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the post it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings. I travel this road daily and it is a good reminder that wildlife may be crossing at any moment. I spotted some snowy egrets today also hanging out near Grayton, it is a wonderful place to be.

I have seen some damage that bears can do at Yosemite Park. They are powerful animals. Put that food up!

nicdeedoop · 09-22-2009, 10:32 PM

I have seen 4 seperate bears in the last 3 months. Two "residents" and two that just made a brief appearance. I've had no luck with Waste Management in obtaining a bear proof dumpster and having just been in Yellowstone a few weeks ago, I know they make them

. In constant touch with the great people at Topsail and we are working to minimize contact and access. I'd post some pictures but

Santiago · 09-23-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidD

This is a good point. All it takes is a few people to start getting nervous before a mob with torches and pitchforks starts canvasing the forests. The last bear/dumpster situation around here that I've heard of was maybe 11 years ago at the Donut Hole on 98. I'm not sure if I remember what happened as a result - I think that they may have captured it and released it on the Eglin preserve.

The bear's been spotted in Watercolor in the last week or so. Fish and Wildlife is aware of this and are staying hands off of the situation right now. It does add a new element to walking the dogs at night.

NotDeadYet · 09-23-2009, 10:23 AM

Here's a link to a Walton Sun story about the Grayton bear. Offers a reward for a picture. And quotes a resident of the Preserve (ironic name

) who wants it relocated.
Can we relocate all the residents of SoWal who want to get rid of the native wildlife?
Black bear staking a claim in Grayton neighborhood | class, bear, grayton - Breaking News - WaltonSun.com

Tootsie · 09-23-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotDeadYet

Here's a link to a Walton Sun story about the Grayton bear. Offers a reward for a picture. And quotes a resident of the Preserve (ironic name

) who wants it relocated.
Can we relocate all the residents of SoWal who want to get rid of the native wildlife?
Black bear staking a claim in Grayton neighborhood | class, bear, grayton - Breaking News - WaltonSun.com

I think that is the best idea EVER!

SWGB · 09-23-2009, 12:52 PM

Good lord bears in the State Park and the land that borders it? What's next, a shark in the gulf, gator in the bayou, or heavens just nature in general?

Your garbage and how to keep bears out!

I'm also wondering if mothballs would work? You could just throw a handful around the garbage cans.

Walton Outdoors · 09-23-2009, 06:44 PM

Black bears are vegetarians, and, unless provoked (protecting their cubs or defending themselves), are not aggressive in nature. I am delighted that the black bears are thriving in our local forests. They are opportunists and the scent of discarded food items, dog food, even bird seed will attract them. Education is the key in understanding our indigenous fauna. Here are some helpful tips...

Living with Florida black bears | Welcome to Walton Outdoors

DavidD · 09-23-2009, 10:43 PM

I mentioned the bear sighting in Subway 30A, and the sandwich technician told me that a bear regularly visits a dumpster there. There are more here than I thought or else its one busy bear.

Tootsie · 09-24-2009, 02:55 PM

davidd - you said "sandwich technician".

truluv · 09-24-2009, 05:15 PM

reckon Yogi skips the salami and just eats the olives and lettuce and bread?

Everytime · 09-24-2009, 08:56 PM

I ran in Pt. Washington State Forest a good bit over Labor Day weekend and the ranger was in the Eastern Lake Trailhead parking lot checking fee tags on cars. I asked him if he'd seen any of the bears in the area, and he'd seen some tracks out in the trail; I'm pretty sure I saw some tracks on the portion of the trail that piggybacks the State Forest road, probably 3/4 mile from 395 and up to the next road/trail fork to the 3.5 mi loop. He did say that the bigger danger is rattle snakes, and warned me to wear orange if running anywhere in PWSF after October 1, since that is when bow season starts. I just can't bring myself to wear orange during football season.

SWGB · 09-25-2009, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everytime

I ran in Pt. Washington State Forest a good bit over Labor Day weekend and the ranger was in the Eastern Lake Trailhead parking lot checking fee tags on cars. I asked him if he'd seen any of the bears in the area, and he'd seen some tracks out in the trail; I'm pretty sure I saw some tracks on the portion of the trail that piggybacks the State Forest road, probably 3/4 mile from 395 and up to the next road/trail fork to the 3.5 mi loop. He did say that the bigger danger is rattle snakes, and warned me to wear orange if running anywhere in PWSF after October 1, since that is when bow season starts. I just can't bring myself to wear orange during football season.

Gotta love the south when someone will risk their life instead of possibly be considered an Auburn/Clemson/Florida fan.

grace · 09-25-2009, 07:53 AM

on a different note, i saw a red wolf crossing 98 around dusk last night.
he was gorgeous.

SWGB · 09-25-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grace

on a different note, i saw a red wolf crossing 98 around dusk last night.
he was gorgeous.

We've seen one over in the BMB area near 83 on several occasions.

Tootsie · 09-25-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everytime

I ran in Pt. Washington State Forest a good bit over Labor Day weekend and the ranger was in the Eastern Lake Trailhead parking lot checking fee tags on cars. I asked him if he'd seen any of the bears in the area, and he'd seen some tracks out in the trail; I'm pretty sure I saw some tracks on the portion of the trail that piggybacks the State Forest road, probably 3/4 mile from 395 and up to the next road/trail fork to the 3.5 mi loop. He did say that the bigger danger is rattle snakes, and warned me to wear orange if running anywhere in PWSF after October 1, since that is when bow season starts. I just can't bring myself to wear orange during football season.

I do understand.

Britkiwi · 09-25-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWGB

We've seen one over in the BMB area near 83 on several occasions.

I saw one about 1 1/2 month ago there sitting in the driveway on 83 of the County Facility (whatever it is there on the right as you head south) towards Redfish village...It was pretty freaking cool I thought.

Everytime · 09-25-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWGB

Gotta love the south when someone will risk their life instead of possibly be considered an Auburn/Clemson/Florida fan.

Honestly, it's Tennessee that causes me greater psychological conflict, then Aubuhn. And I probably won't be back down there till January or so, and I should be able to lift the clothing ban by that time.

And I should add that my (no) love for UT is about the same as that UA student on the Youtube video that hates UT and that puke orange, etc.

waterhound · 09-28-2009, 08:38 AM

He's been getting in my trash on and off for a month and a half. there is no such thing as bear proof trash containers and hoa approved containers

SWGB · 09-29-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterhound

He's been getting in my trash on and off for a month and a half. there is no such thing as bear proof trash containers and hoa approved containers

Have you tried putting it out the morning of pick up?

jodiFL · 09-30-2009, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterhound

He's been getting in my trash on and off for a month and a half. there is no such thing as bear proof trash containers and hoa approved containers

I think it may be time for the HOAs to start addressing this situation. Maybe you could bring it to their attention and start a trend that works for all beings involved.
EDIT: the ones at THIS SITE dont seem to be alot different than most of the ones I see around here.

gypsyatheart · 10-03-2009, 03:26 PM

On the way home from taking my little man to school at Bay last week a wolf (he was definitely not a coyote) ran across 83 in front of me from one side of the long leaf pine trail to the other. It was very cool, but I am kind of nervous to walk the trails alone now.

jd · 10-19-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everytime

I ran in Pt. Washington State Forest a good bit over Labor Day weekend and the ranger was in the Eastern Lake Trailhead parking lot checking fee tags on cars. I asked him if he'd seen any of the bears in the area, and he'd seen some tracks out in the trail; I'm pretty sure I saw some tracks on the portion of the trail that piggybacks the State Forest road, probably 3/4 mile from 395 and up to the next road/trail fork to the 3.5 mi loop. He did say that the bigger danger is rattle snakes, and warned me to wear orange if running anywhere in PWSF after October 1, since that is when bow season starts. I just can't bring myself to wear orange during football season.

Baaahahahaha!!!! Go Vols!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ShallowsNole · 10-20-2009, 08:27 PM

ShallowsFuzz & ShallowsSquirt just got home from working out and report seeing a BIG black bear crossing 283 just south of 98, near the trails. Fuzz has patrolled all night long on and off over the last 26 years, and this was his first bear sighting.

Squirt's reaction was that it was pretty cool, but he is basically uncomfortable with the fact that animals that are bigger than his car are crossing the road.

tsutcli · 10-20-2009, 11:53 PM

Guests at WC reported seeing a bear crossing 283 tonight between 30a and 98.