Officers believe the young black bear had been hiding out and sleeping in a wooded area on the Hard Rock Hotel property.
Jim and Susan Owens woke up around 5:00am to walk their dog around the hotel when they found out there was a bear lurking around.
“They didn’t make a formal announcement. We just walked along, the security guy said, ‘You can’t go anywhere, there’s a bear, you can’t go any further,’” Jim Owens said.
A hotel security guard first spotted the bear on a camera. At least one Orlando police officer also got a glimpse of the cub who could be around 100 pounds.
“I’m a little worried. I am a little worried,” Susan Owens said.
Florida Fish and Wildlife is baffled that the bear ended up on the property in such a busy area, but said it’s not uncommon for male bears to wander away from the wild this time of year because their mothers kick them out to make room for more cubs.
“They start looking for their own home. Sometimes they get a little confused. Undoubtedly, this bear made a left turn on Albuquerque,” said Lt. Jeff Hudson, Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Florida Fish and Wildlife says the bear isn’t dangerous. In fact, they said, he’s probably scared because of all the commotion.
Florida Fish and Wildlife returned to the scene the next day after security spotted the bear again and were able to capture it
