Sanford residents divided over growing bear sightings in neighborhood

The Brief

SANFORD, Fla. - Black bears are increasingly common in Central Florida neighborhoods, and residents in Sanford’s Butchertown community say the animals are becoming a regular—and sometimes unwelcome—sight.

What we know:

Black bears have become a regular presence in Sanford’s Butchertown neighborhood, where residents say development has pushed the animals out of their habitat and into the community.

Some encounters have led to safety concerns, including an injury to one resident who tripped while fleeing from a bear. The area falls within Seminole County’s designated urban bear management zone.

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What we don't know:

It remains unclear whether the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will take new action in Butchertown. Past tr