Photo: jared lloyd / Moment / Getty Images
Apopka, FL - An Apopka man was reportedly injured after encountering two young black bears outside his home early in the morning on August 15th.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the incident occurred between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. when Alexander Rojas allegedly saw the bears running across his front yard.
Authorities say he stepped outside and yelled at the animals in an attempt to scare them away.
According to the FWC, one of the bears allegedly ran toward Rojas, biting and scratching his forearm before he was able to retreat safely into his house.
Rojas received medical treatment at a local hospital, where his injuries required stitches and may involve nerve or tendon damage.
No bears were harmed during the encounter. FWC investigators later set a trap at the property to try to capture the bear involved.
Following the incident, Rojas’ family launched a GoFundMe to help with medical costs.
In his account, Rojas explained that he had three immediate options: open the door with a bear nearby, run past another bear on the lawn, or head toward the woods where the mother bear could be.
He ultimately avoided both bears by hurdling over a vehicle and moving to an open area down the street.
He emphasized that he did not harm any of the animals and shared his story to raise community awareness.
The FWC reminds Florida residents to maintain a safe distance from bears and to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 if they feel threatened.
Hazing bears with loud noises is recommended, but safety should remain the top priority during encounters.