WESTON, Fla., June 1 (UPI) -- A 310-pound black bear has been released back into the wild after being captured during its visit to the city of Weston, Fla., a state biologist says.
State biologist Joe Bozzo said the bear, which first appeared in Weston in April, was tranquilized and transported to Picayune Strand State Forest where it left its transport cage Sunday to be free once again, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel said.
''He looked around,'' Bozzo said of the wild animal during its release. "They always peek outside to make sure nothing would attack them.''
The decision to relocate the wild animal came primarily due to its appearance near Manatee Bay Elementary School last week, Weston Mayor Eric Hersh told the Sun-Sentinel.
''I think a lot of residents were relieved to hear it's being relocated unharmed, leaving us all in peace,'' the mayor said. "Clearly when it went near the elementary school the other day it gave us some concern. But no one wanted to see it hurt, so the news that the bear is safe and that this is over is the best possible ending we could have.''
