Florida residents warned to bring pets inside after bear spotted heading toward river

Video above: Black bear found shot to death in Florida neighborhood

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents in Florida have been urged to bring all pets indoors and steer clear from a bear after it was spotted heading toward a river on Sunday.

The Cape Coral Police Department said the bear was spotted near Cornwallis Parkway and headed toward the river.

‘Don’t want to see them dead’: Nearly 500-pound black bear found shot to death in Florida neighborhood

While the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is aware of the bear sighting, the police department is urging residents to keep their pets indoors and avoid looking for the bear.

“Please also bring cat food or dog food inside that may attract the bear,” police wrote on social media. “LEAVE IT ALONE. Do NOT try to take pictures. Do NOT try to go find the bear.”

Photo courtesy of the Cape Coral Police Department

The Cape Coral sighting comes after a nearly 500-pound black bear was found shot to death in an Apopka man’s backyard on June 6.

The man said he initially thought the bear had been hit by

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