TAMPA — A rather unexpected visitor made a stop at Tampa International Airport earlier this week — a Florida black bear.

Officials say he showed up along the airport's fence line looking for a way to get through, before he was safely trapped Wednesday and later released into the Ocala National Forest.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it’s likely the same bear that was spotted in Carrollwood a few weeks back.

Michael Orlando, FWC’s bear program coordinator, says this time of year is migration season for juvenile bears striking out on their own to find a new home. 

“It’s a natural occurrence every single year, and we’ll have bears in all kinds of crazy places,” Orlando said.

FWC advises residents to take in the moment but also show respect and keep your distance.

Use the video player above to watch the report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Cait McVey.