Uninvited Labor Day Guest
Over Labor Day weekend, Tripod, a unique three-legged bear, decided to join in on the festivities, indulging in a mini fridge raid in a Florida residence. He fittingly chose some White Claws, mirroring many human celebrations.
Caught on Camera
In the serene Orlando suburb of Lake Mary, an unexpected visitor made his appearance. Around the evening hour, Josaury Faneite-Diglio got alerted by her home’s security system. To her astonishment, it was Tripod, a bear familiar to the locals, exploring her patio.
Her 13-year-old son, Joseph, seized the moment, filming Tripod’s adventurous spree on his mobile.
The Great Mini Fridge Raid
The home security footage paints a vivid picture: Joseph trying to quiet down Bruno, their family dog, who had sensed Tripod’s presence. Joseph’s reaction was priceless. “This is like, one in a lifetime,” he exclaimed while filming the bear’s proximity.
But the climax came when Tripod, with impressive dexterity, accessed the mini fridge. Joseph, in glee, commented on the bear’s audacity to grab some beer. As it turned out, Tripod had a preference: he gulped down three White Claw hard seltzers. He complemented his drink with some fish food left by the family’s fish tank, shared Faneite-Diglio in her interview with WESH-TV.
Friendly Neighborhood Bear?
Despite the surreal experience, Faneite-Diglio expressed her familiarity with the bear, emphasizing respect for their shared habitat. “He lives here; we respect their habitat as much as we can,” she remarked.
The Bear Reality in Florida
For those unfamiliar, bears do inhabit Florida. Preferred habitats include flatwoods, swamps, scrub oak ridges, and hammocks. Although they typically avoid densely populated areas, Central Florida and Lake Mary are known as “frequent” bear zones, based on consistent sightings and reports.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises residents against feeding bears. This can embolden the bears, risking their safety. The Commission recommends bear-resistant containers for trash or postponing trash bin placement until the morning of pickup.
