Trappers continue to search a Lake Mary neighborhood for what they're calling dangerous bears after a woman was attacked five days ago.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said they had no idea just how bad the bear problem was near the Carisbrooke community, in Lake Mary.
One bear was shot down after it nearly attacked an office. Another six were darted and euthanized. Now, officers believe people in the community have been feeding the bears -- whether they intend to or not -- by leaving trash out or using bird feeders.
"When they rely on a food source that is not natural that in turns causes them to lose their fear of humans," said Greg Workman, of FWC.
Lisa Hart lives just up the road from the attack and has seen it herself.
"The bear has been everywhere in our yard," Hart said.
Hart's trash can was destroyed by bears, and she has seen the bears just feet from her front door. She's not sure what the solution is, but she said she fears for her grandchildren to go outside.
"I don't want to commit to killing the bears, I love nature," Hart said. "But, I don't want to commit to letting them run free in our neighborhood."
FWC officials stand by their decision to kill the bears. And although relocating the bears might sound more humane, officers said it's not possible.
"If we take this bear and we hold it or we relocate it, we've taken a dangerous bear and we've put it in a different area," Workman said.
Questions & Answers on bears in Lake Mary
with Greg Workman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Q: Why can't the bears be moved to a zoo?
A: There aren't enough zoos that could even house these bears if that was an option. You cannot take a wild animal and put it into captivity.
Q: How many bears are in our area?
A: It's an estimate but about 1/3 of the state's total bear population lives in this grid of the Lake Mary/Heathrow/Seminole County area.
Q: Are officers killing every bear they see?
A: No, only bears who show no fear of humans. Several bears have been spotted by officers but have acted like bears should and have retreated back to the woods.
Q: How will you know if the bear that attacked was killed?
A: DNA testing will be done and a full autopsy on each bear. The stomach of the bear will also be searched to see what kinds of food the bear has been eating and hopefully help detect what is luring the animals.
Q: Where were the seven killed bears found?
A: All seven bears were found near the Franas' home inside the Carisbrooke neighborhood.
Q: Will the bears become extinct because of the killings?
A: No, there are hundreds of bears in these woods.
Q: What happens if you find people who are feeding the bears?
A: They will face criminal charges.