Global News - July 2008

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Biologist saves bear from drowning

Wed 02 July 2008 14:00 UK — North America,Bears

A US biologist has saved a bear that was in severe danger of drowning in the Gulf of Mexico.

The rare bear had been spotted in a residential neighbourhood near Tallahassee in Florida. Wildlife officials had attempted to tranquilise it in order to take it back into the wild.

However, reports suggest that it took some time for the drug to take effect. During this period, the bear managed to swim about 25 metres into the sea.

At this point, it started to become drowsy and struggle. Biologist Adam Warwick from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission realised that it was in danger of drowning and dived into the water.

The rare animal stumbled in the water and did not immediately resurface.

"At that point I knew I had to keep the bear from drowning," the biologist explained. "After a few seconds the bear popped his head up out of the water and thrashed around a bit, but could obviously no longer keep his head above water.."

Mr Warwick then managed to grab the bear and keep its head above the water while he dragged it back to the shore.

"It's a lot easier to drag a bear in four-foot water than move him on dry land."

Eventually, the bear made a full recovery and was released into the wild in Osceola National Forest.

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