It was an unforgettable sight as a grizzly bear decided to leap into a swimming pool to escape the sweltering summer sun in Florida.
The four-year-old grizzly, fondly named Bruiser, climbed up the pool ladder and launched himself into the water with a grand belly flop.
If you don’t want to read the full story,
Jump to Watch Video
Once he hit the water, Bruiser shook his wet fur before returning to his favorite water activity: playing with his surfboard.
Due to Bruiser’s substantial size and sharp claws, a typical inflatable swimming toy could be more practical. So, the 600-pound grizzly has his surfboard for water fun.
Bruiser resides at the Single Vision Wildlife Sanctuary in Melrose, Florida. The sanctuary is home to various threatened and endangered species and has seen temperatures soar to 90F this month along with Bruiser—the sanctuary shelters white tigers, Florida panthers, and other wildlife.
Single Vision is a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about endangered species.
The sanctuary stated that many species they care for are in danger due to illegal poaching and habitat destruction.
The video captured Bruiser’s poolside fun just as Florida made a surprising announcement. For the first time since 1994, the state has approved the return of black bear hunting.
The move, announced on Wednesday, means a daytime black bear hunting season will commence in four regions in October. The one-week season aims to manage the bear population.
Taking the leap: Bruiser then jumps into the water at Single Vision Wildlife Sanctuary in Melrose, Florida.
Oops: Suddenly, however, Bruiser’s body goes horizontal, and he prepares for a big belly flop into the water.
Making waves: Bruiser’s body hits the water, and he causes a huge splash before coming up from underwater, shaking his fur, and recomposing himself.
Toys: Bruiser has a surfboard to play with in the pool, as blowup toys would be impractical for an animal with such large claws.
Saying hi: Bruiser takes a break from swimming to greet the camera as he’s being filmed by an employee at Single Vision.
Watch the video below:
Read more Wildlife News.