Bear Attempting To Access Tampa Airport Gets Free Ride To Ocala Forest

TAMPA, FL — Perhaps hoping to catch a flight to a cooler climate, a Florida black bear found wandering around the perimeter of the Tampa International Airport was captured with the help of airport staff, airport police, local and state agencies.

A Transportation Security Administration employee spotted the bear walking along the airport perimeter fence near Hillsborough Avenue Tuesday afternoon and reported it to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.

The airport, in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, set up a trap and a perimeter around a dense area of vegetation at the north end of the campus to keep the animal contained.

Members of TPA operations, airport police, wildlife management, traffic, Tampa police, Tampa Fire Rescue and the FWC maintained overnight surveillance of the area. Using infrared helicopter cameras, Tampa police confirmed the bear was sleeping inside the perimeter overnight.

On Wednesday morning, the bear entered the trap and was captured.

“Thanks to these critical efforts, there was no risk to any employees or disruptions to airport operations,” TPA Executive Vice President of Operations John Tiliacos said.

In accordance with state rules, the FWC relocated the bear to the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida. While the temperature isn't much cooler in the 600-square-mile forest in June, it's known for its more than 20 lakes and springs where bears have plenty of opportunity to cool off. Additionally, the wayward bear will have plenty of company. There are an estimated 1,200 Florida black bears living in the Ocala National Forest.

This is the first time a bear incursion has been reported at the airport.