Homeowner Fends Off Attacking Bear in Dramatic Doorbell Video

On August 15, 2025, a homeowner in Apopka, Florida found himself in a terrifying encounter with a bear in his front yard. Doorbell camera footage captured the moment one of two juvenile bears sprinted across the man's yard and lunged at him on the porch.

The bear attacked the homeowner, Alexander Rojas, biting his arm and clawing his ribs. However, Rojas was able to fight back, kicking the bear's feet out and striking it in the nose. He was then able to get away and seek medical treatment at a local hospital.

This incident underscores the rising tensions between humans and wildlife in Florida as the state's bear population has more than tripled since the 1990s. Experts warn that as development continues to encroach on natural habitats, these dangerous encounters are likely to become more common.

When bears lose access to their natural food sources, they may turn to garbage, pet food, or fruit trees near homes, leading to conflicts with nearby residents. While this is a threat to human safety, it also puts the bears at risk, as those that attack humans are often euthanized.

Authorities are taking steps to address the issue, including setting traps in the area and planning the first black bear hunt since 2015. However, conservation groups argue that long-term solutions like protecting wildlife corridors and natural spaces are key to reducing these encounters in the future.