Florida Man’s Attempt to Scare Off Bears by Yelling Ends in Terrifying Close Call

Orlando, FL — A Florida man’s unusual attempt to protect his property from a group of black bears nearly ended in disaster when he decided the best way to scare them off was simply to yell at them. Instead of running away, the bears held their ground, creating a tense and frightening standoff that has since drawn the attention of neighbors, wildlife officials, and social media alike.

The bizarre incident occurred Saturday evening in the quiet suburban community of Pine Hills, just outside Orlando. Residents had already reported several bear sightings in recent weeks, as the animals searched for food in trash cans and bird feeders. But 42-year-old Robert McLean decided he wasn’t going to let the bears make themselves at home on his property.

According to neighbors, McLean spotted two adult black bears rummaging near his garbage bins around 9:00 p.m. Instead of retreating into his house and calling authorities, McLean stormed outside barefoot, shouting at the animals in an effort to “haze” them into leaving.

“He was screaming at the top of his lungs, waving his arms, just going nuts,” said neighbor Erica Johnson, who watched from her porch across the street. “I thought maybe the noise would scare the bears, but they just stopped and stared at him. It was like they were sizing him up.”

Rather than scattering, the bears reportedly advanced several feet closer, huffing and stamping the ground — a classic warning sign of aggression. At that point, Johnson said, she feared the worst. “For a second, I thought they were going to charge him. I was already dialing 911.”

Video captured by another neighbor’s doorbell camera shows the tense encounter. In the footage, McLean can be seen yelling phrases like “Get out of here!” and “This is my house!” at the bears. The animals, unfazed, remain near his driveway, one even standing briefly on its hind legs. The clip ends with McLean retreating backward toward his front door as the bears linger.

Wildlife officers say McLean was lucky the situation didn’t turn deadly. “Approaching or yelling at bears is not only ineffective, it’s dangerous,” warned Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spokesperson Daniel Cortez. “These are powerful wild animals. The correct action is to remain indoors, secure attractants like garbage, and contact authorities if the bears don’t leave on their own.”

Cortez explained that while black bears are generally shy and avoid humans, they can become bold when they associate neighborhoods with easy meals. Yelling alone rarely deters them, especially when trash or food is readily available. “This was a classic example of what not to do,” Cortez said.

McLean, when reached for comment, defended his actions, saying he had read online that making loud noises could scare off wildlife. “I thought I was doing the right thing,” he said. “I didn’t want them tearing up my yard or going after my dog. I figured if I shouted, they’d run. But those bears weren’t scared at all.”

The incident has since gone viral after the doorbell camera footage was shared on social media. The clip racked up hundreds of thousands of views within hours, with commenters divided between criticizing McLean’s recklessness and applauding his nerve. “Only in Florida,” one user joked. Another wrote, “This man clearly never watched National Geographic.”

But wildlife officials stressed there is nothing funny about the situation. “Encounters like this can end tragically — for people and for the bears,” Cortez said. “If a bear injures someone, often the bear is euthanized. We want to prevent that outcome by educating residents on safe coexistence.”

Neighbors say the incident has left them shaken. “We’ve seen bears before, but usually they just wander off,” said longtime resident Paul Sanchez. “After watching what happened, I’m honestly scared. If they’re not afraid of people anymore, that’s a problem.”

In response, the FWC has announced plans to increase patrols in the neighborhood and distribute bear-proof garbage cans. Officials also held an emergency community meeting Sunday evening to educate residents about bear behavior and safety. Recommendations included removing bird feeders, keeping pet food indoors, and never confronting the animals directly.

Local parents expressed particular concern, since children often play outside in the evenings. “What if this had happened while the kids were riding bikes down the street?” asked mother-of-three Jessica Lee. “This could have been a tragedy.”

Experts say hazing techniques can sometimes work — but only when performed safely, from a distance, and usually in groups. These methods can include loud noises, air horns, or bright lights, but never direct confrontation. “Bears need to be reminded that humans are a threat,” Dr. Kelly Harper, a wildlife biologist at the University of Central Florida, explained. “But shouting at them alone in your driveway is not hazing — it’s inviting danger.”

As for McLean, he admits he learned his lesson the hard way. “I’ll never do that again,” he said sheepishly. “Next time I see a bear, I’m staying inside.”

For Pine Hills, the incident has become a cautionary tale — one that underscores the challenges of living alongside Florida’s growing black bear population. With suburban development continuing to encroach on natural habitats, experts predict encounters like this will only increase.

“This isn’t the last time residents will see bears in this area,” Cortez said. “But hopefully, after this close call, people will think twice before trying to play hero.”

In the meantime, neighbors remain on edge. Some have already ordered motion-activated lights and bear-proof containers, while others say they won’t let their children outside after dark. Still, many hope the community can adapt without further conflict. “We moved here for the beauty of Florida,” said Johnson. “But we have to remember — the wildlife was here first.”

As dusk fell Sunday, the garbage bins stood empty along McLean’s driveway. No bears appeared, but residents couldn’t shake the memory of the tense standoff the night before. It was a reminder that in Florida’s wild suburbs, coexistence with nature demands respect — and sometimes restraint.