Florida K-9 Tracking Suspect Stumbles Upon Bear in Woods

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida sheriff’s K-9 unit had an unexpected encounter while tracking a suspect this past weekend when it came face-to-face with a bear in the woods, according to UPI.

Unexpected Discovery

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the K-9, named Gator, and his handler were searching a wooded area for an aggravated battery suspect when the dog suddenly alerted to movement.

Instead of the fugitive, deputies found themselves staring at a black bear. “Holy [expletive], that’s a bear,” one deputy exclaimed in body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office.

Video of the Encounter

The incident was captured on body-worn cameras and shared on social media, where it quickly went viral. The sheriff’s office also released aerial video showing the bear retreating deeper into the forest.

Officials said neither the bear nor the deputies were harmed, and the search for the original suspect continued after the close call.

Sheriff’s Office Response

The department joked in a Facebook post that Gator had discovered “his first bear” rather than the suspect they were pursuing. “Both sides walked away from this encounter unharmed and with a mutual respect,” the post read.

Encounters between law enforcement K-9s and Florida’s wildlife are not uncommon, but this latest incident highlights the unpredictable risks officers face in the field. For more unusual news and community safety updates, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.