Philippe Park Will Remain Closed Through Friday As Search For Black Bear Continues

From the Pinellas County Government:

June 2, 2021

Philippe Park will remain closed through Friday, June 4. Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources closed the park yesterday after a black bear that had previously been spotted in Safety Harbor was seen in the park early yesterday morning by a park ranger.

Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies, park staff, and members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will continue their work of securing the park as they search for the bear and plan to reopen Saturday, June 5.

Citizens are encouraged to avoid the park and access will be restricted.

If you see a black bear, FWC recommends not moving toward the bear. If encountered at close range, you should remain standing upright, speak to the bear in a calm and assertive voice, slowly back up toward a secure area leaving the bear a clear escape route and avoid direct eye contact. Stop and hold your ground if your movement appears to irritate, rather than calm, the bear. Do not make any sudden movements, run, play dead, climb a tree, or approach or surprise a bear. Bear sightings can be reported to the FWC's Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200.

Future Philippe Park shelter reservations can be made again starting this Saturday, June 5.

To learn more about Parks and Conservation Resources, visit www. pinellascounty.org/park.

This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.