ORLANDO, Fla. – In Florida, the local wildlife can sometimes make surprise appearances right at your doorstep.

News 6 Insiders Kara Moeller and Joey Manna decided to set up a trail camera at Bay Lake, located in our backyard, anticipating they might capture something intriguing.

What they found was truly astonishing.

The camera recorded footage on Thursday night showing a mother black bear accompanied by her two cubs strolling through Bay Lake before they made their way back toward the station.

While we’re thrilled by this unexpected visit from our furry neighbors, it’s equally important to consider the implications of their presence.

Bears are very active in the fall, trying to get as much food as possible before denning for the winter. Adult bears need to consume about 20,000 calories a day during the fall. These bears are foraging for whatever food they can get.

Also, there are neighborhoods not far from us, and these bears will likely end up in those communities, and a trash can or a bag of bird seed or dog food left out could look like fast food to a bear.

Black bears, especially females with cubs, can be defensive and protective, and they can injure people and pets if provoked.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges residents to secure their trash cans inside, in a garage or shed, along with any pet food or bird seed. If you can’t do that, be sure to modify your existing trash can to be more bear-resistant. Find instructions HERE.

[WATCH: Bear ambles near Orlando front door]

If a bear can’t find easy food in a neighborhood, they’ll move on.

Some other things to remember:

• Never feed or approach bears. Not only is it illegal, it is dangerous.

• Secure gardens, beehives, compost and livestock. Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes, and remove fallen fruit.

• Clean and store grills and smokers after use. If you can move them, store them.

• Secure animals, including pets. When walking your dog, use a non-retractable leash, and when letting them out in a yard at night, flip the lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears a chance to flee.

• If you see a bear, be sure to let your neighbors know.

Have a conflict, call the FWC office near you.