TAMPA, Fla. – In a coordinated effort, Tampa International Airport staff and Police officers worked with local and state agencies to safely capture and remove a Florida black bear from the TPA campus on Wednesday.
A TSA employee spotted a Florida black bear walking along the Airport perimeter fence near Hillsborough Avenue late Tuesday and reported it to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
The Airport, in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, immediately set up a trap and a robust perimeter around a dense vegetation area at the campus’s north end to keep the animal contained.
Members of TPA Operations, Airport Police, Wildlife Management, Traffic, Tampa Police, Tampa Fire Rescue, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) also maintained overnight surveillance of the area.
In the news: Watch: It’s So ‘Unbearably’ Hot In Florida, Even The Bears Hit The Beach
Using infrared helicopter cameras, Tampa Police confirmed the bear slept inside the perimeter overnight.
On Wednesday morning, after two failed attempts by FWC to tranquilize the bear, it entered the trap and was captured.
FWC has relocated the bear to a preserve in Central Florida.
The Airport has no records of any prior bear incursions on Airport property, and is confident this was an isolated incident. TPA advises employees and the public to report any wildlife sightings in the future by calling the Airport Operations Center at 813-870-8770.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.