Bear Spotted in Volusia County
“What once was a rare sight has now become a daily concern,” said Jamie Stewart, a resident of Ormond Beach, where repeated black bear sightings are unnerving families just as the school year begins. A black bear has been roaming through a residential neighborhood in Ormond Beach, Florida, appearing at all hours of the day and night. Residents have reported seeing the bear near cars, front doors, fences, and even up close to their homes, raising safety concerns as children prepare to walk or bike to school.n “If that bear’s sitting on the other side of the car or walking between cars in the driveway and you’re out for a walk, you could easily surprise it,” Stewart said. His fear is that one wrong move could lead to a dangerous encounter.
Mother Fears for Kids Walking to School
Alexa Melhorn, a mother of a 13-year-old, is also on edge. She told local media that the timing of the bear’s activity is especially troubling. “There’s a school up the way… especially with it being spotted in the morning and kids having to walk to school or to the bus stop,” Melhorn said. She added that the bear has already caused damage to her property, popping open a fence and scavenging in her backyard. Another neighbor captured a photo of the bear just 15 feet from their home. Stewart said the bear came inches from his front door, though it has not shown any signs of aggression so far.
FWC Responds: Bear Behavior Is Typical but Requires Caution
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed they are aware of the sightings and have received several reports from the Ormond Beach area in Volusia County. Officials say the bear’s behavior appears typical for a young male searching for food and territory—but they are monitoring the situation closely. “It’s not unusual for bears to move through neighborhoods this time of year, but repeated sightings in the same area mean there’s likely a food attractant,” said Chad Weber, FWC spokesperson. “We urge residents to secure garbage, bring in pet food, and eliminate outdoor food sources.” Weber stressed that FWC has not deemed the bear dangerous at this point but added that the agency is prepared to act if the situation escalates or if the bear becomes a threat to human safety.
What Residents Can Do
FWC officials and local law enforcement are urging the public to follow bear safety protocols:
Secure garbage inside garages or use bear-resistant bins
Feed pets indoors and store food out of reach
Remove bird feeders and outdoor food scraps
Do not approach, feed, or try to scare the bear
“These animals are just trying to survive, but if they lose their fear of people, they often have to be removed—and that can sometimes mean euthanasia,” Weber said. Volusia County is known for frequent bear activity, especially in areas near wooded preserves and green corridors. According to FWC data, Florida’s black bear population exceeds 4,000, with the Central Florida region being a major hotspot.
Community on Alert
Residents say they’re frustrated but trying to stay calm. Many are taking extra precautions, especially with children walking to school this week. “We’ve always known this is bear country, but now it feels like it’s right on our doorstep,” Melhorn said. FWC continues to encourage residents to report any bear sightings by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). So far, there have been no injuries or aggressive encounters reported in connection with the Ormond Beach bear.
