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He Refused To Watch This Bear Drown, So He Went In After It

June 15, 2014

A 400 pound black bear wandered into a residential neighborhood in Florida. Wildlife officers had to sedate the bear to safely relocate him, and that's when things began to go horribly wrong.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

The tranquilizer dart sent the bear into a panic and he ran towards the ocean, evading officers.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

As he swam further and further out into the Gulf, he became drowsy and started to drown.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

But Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission, wasn't about to let that happen.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Adam went in after the bear to stop him from going under...

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

"It was a spur of the moment decision. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping when I saw the bear in the water."

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

He knew the risk considering the bear was scared and could have easily became aggressive to defend itself.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

But the bear seemed to know it was in good hands.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Adam's determination finally got the bear back into shallow water.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

And suffered only a scratch from the brave rescue.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Once they reached the shore, other team members came to help.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

The team was able to use a tractor bucket to transport the poor guy back to his home in Osceola National Forest.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Adam rode with him back home...

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Where he is safe and happy again.

Becky Bickerstaff, Adam Warwick / The Nature Conservancy

Via Distractify