A black bear entered a residential patio in Naples, Florida, through an unlocked gate and helped itself to food from the refrigerator and trash cans, according to WSVN 7 Miami. The homeowner told the outlet she discovered the bear after hearing noise outside; the animal had opened the fridge and taken items including canned alcoholic beverages. I read the full report and confirmed that the owner stated the gate was left unlocked, which the bear pushed open.
What the bear did inside
The bear entered a screened-in patio area and accessed both the refrigerator and trash containers. The homeowner reported that the bear swiped a can of alcohol and left trash scattered across the patio. No injuries were reported, and the bear left the property before authorities arrived. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was notified, according to the report.
Naples sits in Collier County, where bear encounters have become more common as development expands into habitat. This incident mirrors similar reports across Florida of bears learning to open doors and lids in search of easy food. The FWC emphasizes that bears that obtain human food often become bolder and may need to be removed.
How to prevent bear break-ins
For homeowners in bear-prone areas of Florida, securing gates and locking all exterior doors is essential. Bears are strong enough to open refrigerator doors and trash can lids if left accessible. The FWC recommends storing trash in bear-resistant containers and not leaving any food outdoors, including pet food or birdseed. You can also take steps similar to those in the Bat-Proofing Your Home: Exclusion & Prevention Guide, which covers sealing entry points that animals like bears might exploit. If a bear enters a home or patio, do not approach it; give it a clear escape route and contact FWC.
WSVN 7 Miami reported that the homeowner now plans to keep the gate locked at all times. The incident serves as a reminder that a simple latch can keep wildlife out and prevent dangerous habituation.
The notice is published by WSVN 7 Miami at wsvn.com.
