Biologist Jumps in Gulf of Mexico to Rescue Sedated Bear

APALACHICOLA, Fla. – A Florida Fish and Wildlife biologist pulled off a daring rescue Saturday in the Panhandle: He rescued a bear.

A 375-pound male black bear was seen roaming a residential neighborhood near Alligator Point, officials said. The bear was hit with a tranquilizer dart, but he managed to bolt into the Gulf of Mexico before he was sedated.

As the tranquilizer drugs took effect, FWC biologist Adam Warwick jumped in to keep the bear from drowning.

He managed to get the bear to shore, and then a backhoe operator helped load the animal to a truck. The bear was relocated to Osceola National Forest near Lake City.