ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department is still warning people to avoid the area of College Park after a bear was spotted near Yale Street and Formosa Avenue Monday evening. 

Police first reported the incident after receiving several calls about sightings of the bear and called in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to assist in its removal.

"Although the bear is cute, please do not approach," OPD said in a tweet.

The department emailed Spectrum News the following statement about the bear:

"FWCC is on scene. Unless you are a resident of the area of Yale Street and Formosa Avenue, please avoid the area as officers work with FWCC to retrieve the bear safely. We want residents and everyone, including the bear safe."

No other information on the status of the bear's removal was immediately released.

We have received several calls and messages of a bear sighting in Orlando. Although the bear is cute, please do not approach. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been contacted and is on the way to safely retrieve the bear. OPD are on scene. pic.twitter.com/3ul7Y3p8Nj

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) April 24, 2023

According to FWC, black bears can be found throughout the state, and sometimes visit neighborhoods. Feeding bears is illegal in Florida, and the agency advises residents to secure garbage, pet food, fallen tree fruits, and other attractants.