Bear seen wandering around Crystal River neighborhood

CRYSTAL RIVER (FOX 13) - Officials are warning Crystal River residents of a bear that doesn’t seem to be afraid of humans.

A black bear was spotted wandering around West Belfast Street off County Road 488 on Thursday morning, according to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. He didn’t appear to be frightened when a lieutenant approached it. 

Florid wildlife officials and a state biologist were searching the area to determine if “there is something wrong with the bear and why it’s out in the open,” according to the agency.

Homeowners in the area are asked to be alert and to keep pets on leashes, deputies say.

If you spot the bear, they add, avoid it and call 911.