Outdoor News Daily

A Longwood resident sustained minor injuries Thursday night when an animal struck his face and knocked him to the ground.

Ernest D. Stamm, 49, a resident of The Springs, was apparently struck by a bear as Stamm was leaving his house at approximately 8 p.m., according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials. The Springs subdivision is located near Wekiwa Springs State Park.

The FWC is investigating the incident.

Stamm was taken to the Florida Hospital Altamonte. Biologists have examined photos of the man’s injuries and have determined the scratches are consistent with marks made by bear claws.

“We are grateful that Mr. Stamm wasn’t injured more severely,” said Joy Hill, FWC public information coordinator.

The FWC is setting a trap for the bear today. When the bear is trapped, and FWC biologists have determined it is the bear in question, the agency will decide how to proceed.

“Public safety is our highest priority,” Hill said. “Bears are more of a threat when they become habituated to humans and lose their natural fear. That is why feeding bears, either intentionally or unintentionally, is illegal.”

FWC investigators observed bear signs around the home, including scratches on structures and bear scat. There is evidence of a bear being fed for an extended period of time, officials said. Photographs taken at the scene show food containers scattered around the area, as well as bedding on the porch.

“It is critical that residents follow our recommendations and do all they can to keep our food away from bears,” said Dave Telesco, FWC bear management program coordinator. “These kinds of situations are preventable. The key is to keep bears wild. When people follow our advice, the bears have no reason to stay in our neighborhoods, and the two can safely coexist.”

For more information about living in bear country, visit MyFWC.com/Bear.

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