After several hours perched in a tree near Markham Woods Middle School, a black bear descended shortly before 5:30 p.m. Monday and strolled into the woods adjacent to the school.

Students and instructors were buzzing with excitement all day after the school’s principal informed families about the bear encounter.

“The kids were super excited. They didn’t even know Wriggly was up there,” said Kendyl Thomas Williams, a teacher at Markham Woods Middle School, referring to the name she gave the bear. “I just named the bear Wriggly, and I’m super excited about him. It’s a great adventure. It’s an experience.”

Residents report that bear sightings are common in the area. Joel Russell, who lives across the street from the school, said he has seen multiple bears on his property at once.

“I’ve had five in the front yard at one time,” Russell remarked. “It’s unbelievable how often they’re here.”

Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitored the bear throughout the day to ensure its safe return to the woods.

This observation occurs as the FWC continues to solicit public input on the prospect of resuming a bear hunt in Florida. Several virtual public meetings have been organized to explore possible criteria, such as time and duration. The next meeting is scheduled for April 2.

The public’s perspective on the matter remains mixed.

“Do you think the bear population has grown too much? Well, yes and no,” Russell replied. “Are there too many bears or too many people?” “We are taking up all of the bears’ space.”

The last bear hunt in Florida occurred in October 2015, however it was halted after two days when the quota was reached. FWC officials say the public comment gathered during these events will be given to the commission in May, when a decision may be made.