Most ‘Florida Man’ articles involve high speed cars, drugs, alcohol, gators, and other nefarious topics that tickle the imaginations of Americans about what living in Florida must really be like.
This time, thankfully, it’s a story of a heroic citizen who took it upon himself to rescue a tranquilized black bear that was in serious danger of drowning.
The story was posted by Jerry D. Slay to Facebook back in June of 2015, but it has recently resurfaced and is starting to go viral.
Read on for the incredible story!
“A 400 lb. black bear wandered into a residential neighborhood in Florida. Black bears half this size have attacked and killed humans across the nation recently … twice in Florida.
Wildlife officers sedated the bear to safely relocate him, and that’s when things began to go horribly wrong. The tranquilizer dart sent the bear into a panic and he ran towards the saltwater Inland Waterway, evading officers.”
“As he swam further and further out, he became drowsy and started to drown. But Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission, wasn’t about to let that happen. Adam went into the water after the bear … yeah, after a bear … to stop him from going under.”
Warwick said: “It was a spur of the moment decision. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping when I saw the helpless bear in the water dying.”
“He knew the very high risk, considering the powerful bear was scared and could have easily became aggressive to defend itself, killing him with a single swipe or bite. But the bear somehow seemed to know it was in good hands.”
“It seemed to become calm when under the man’s control?”
“Adam’s determination finally got the 400 pound wild creature safely back into shallow water.”
“Adam suffered only a scratch from the rescue.”
“Once they reached the shore, other team members came to help.”
“The team was able to use a tractor bucket to transport the poor guy back to his home in Osceola National Forest.”
“Adam rode with him back home …a sight you don’t see on the highway every day (neither had a helmet).”
“… where he is safe and happy again and has one honking’ story to tell the grandkids.”
I just love everything about this story. Dude risked his life by swimming after a 400 pound black bear all drugged up on tranquilizers. How many people who have ever lived can say that? I’m guessing he might be the only one.
Adam Warwick, the guy who saved the bear, is a badass, a gentlemen, and a scholar. He has given Florida a significant boost in reputation by his actions alone.
Well done sir, well done!
Related: VIDEO: Grizzly Bear Blows Past Hikers Pursuing Mountain Goats in Glacier National Park
