This footage was filmed and produced 5 December 2023.

In an unexpected turn of events, a deputy from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) stumbled upon a remarkable discovery while responding to a call in the Baker area during the early hours of December 5th. What appeared to be two bear cubs spotted by a concerned citizen on Old River Road turned out to be a unique subspecies of brown bears known as Kodiaks, typically found more than 3,600 miles away in Alaska.

With assistance from Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC), the OCSO ensured the safety of the friendly and healthy Kodiak cubs. Wildlife experts later revealed that the bears had managed to escape from an inadequate enclosure at a residence on Old River Road, where an individual claiming to be a bear trainer resided. As a result of the FWC investigation into the matter, the resident involved now faces multiple wildlife violations pertaining to Florida laws.

Pending further investigations and official procedures, the rescued Kodiak bear cubs have been relocated to a secure facility until their ultimate fate is determined.