United States - July 08, 2025 Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida – A black bear was spotted navigating a residential area in Gulf Islands National Seashore, moving calmly across wet lawns and streets following recent rainfall. The footage captures the bear passing near parked vehicles and homes, highlighting the occasional overlap between wildlife and human habitats. The bear appeared to be searching for food or shelter, a common behavior in the area after rain. Its presence serves as a reminder of the region’s rich biodiversity and the need for residents and visitors to remain vigilant. Authorities urge residents to secure garbage, livestock feed, chicken coops, pet food, compost, and beehives, ideally storing items in bear-resistant containers or inside a secure building. Birdfeeders should be hung to prevent access by bears. Visitors to public lands are advised never to leave food unattended, keep camps clean, and store all attractants—coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries—in bear-resistant containers, in a tree, or a locked vehicle. Cooking or eating in tents is strongly discouraged. Officials also emphasize giving bears plenty of space. Observers should remain at least 100 yards away, use binoculars or telephoto lenses, and never block travel lanes. If encountering a bear, people are instructed to back away slowly and avoid running, making noise to alert wildlife in areas with limited visibility.