Outdoor News Daily

The Longwood man who was injured by a black bear a week ago now faces criminal charges for feeding bears. Thursday, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers charged Ernest David Stamm, 49, of 104 Wild Plum Lane in The Springs community. His mandatory court appearance is set for Jan. 22 in Seminole County Court.

FWC investigators met with the state attorney’s office in Sanford yesterday prior to issuing Stamm the citation. Stamm was fully cooperative when FWC Officer Steve McDaniel issued him the notice to appear in court at his home late Thursday afternoon.

According to Florida law, it is illegal to intentionally place food or garbage, allow the placement of food or garbage, or offer food or garbage in such a manner that it attracts black bears, foxes or raccoons, and in a manner that it is likely to create or creates a public nuisance.

Around 8 p.m. on Dec. 10, Stamm reported something struck him in his face as he opened his front door. When emergency medical technicians arrived, they were unable to immediately get to Stamm’s front door because of a bear that wouldn’t leave the yard. Eventually the bear left, and they transported Stamm to Florida Hospital Altamonte, where he was treated and released with lacerations on his face.

When FWC investigators arrived at Stamm’s home that night, they found ample evidence of food attractants and that bears had been frequent visitors to the yard. After a week-long investigation they took their findings to the state attorney, who agreed to pursue charges.

Many communities in Florida, including The Springs, are in ideal bear habitat, and bears naturally wander into these neighborhoods in search of food or new territory. But generally, they stay only if they find a consistent source of food that is easy to obtain – food such as garbage, birdseed, pet food, and other human-provided goodies.

Feeding bears is a losing proposition for everyone; it puts humans at greater risk of injury, and it usually results in the bears’ death because of the threat to human safety. In this case, the female bear suspected of injuring Stamm was captured and euthanized by FWC biologists. The two cubs she left behind are old enough to survive, although ideally they would have remained with her for another six months.

“This whole, sad situation easily could have been prevented if the bear had been allowed to remain wild,” said Dave Telesco, FWC’s Bear Management Program coordinator. “Unfortunately, once bears become used to humans and the food they provide, they become bold and unafraid of people, which can lead to situations like this. This is why it is so critical that residents follow our recommendations and do all they can to keep the attractants away from bears. Keep them wild and let them live.”

The FWC actively educates residents about living in bear country through programs, door-to-door canvassing, news releases and festivals. For information on how to live safely in bear country visit MyFWC.com/Bear or call the Ocala office at 352-732-1225.

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