HOLT, Fla., March 17, 2022—The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its search for missing Holt resident Richard Burnhardt “Bear” Shambo.

Shambo, 74, was reported missing from his Log Lake Road property Feb. 19. His last known contact with anyone was Jan. 5, according to the sheriff’s office.

“We are asking anyone who had contact with Richard “Bear” Shambo anytime during the month of January to please contact us,” said Michele Nicholson, OCSO public information officer.

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Related: “Sheriff’s Office still investigating missing Holt Man”

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Earlier this month, the Sheriff’s Office was looking for a man who was seen on the property Jan. 10 who said he was feeding the dogs for a few days.

The man was described as an older white male, approximately 6 feet tall with a slender build, shoulder-length black hair with gray streaks and unshaven facial hair. He was driving a newer model gray van.

According to Nicholson, he has not yet been located.

Shambo has been a Holt resident for the past 12-14 years. Prior to that, he was briefly a resident of Crestview and before that lived in Valparaiso, according to county records. He identified himself as being from Destin on his Facebook page.

A colorful individual, Shambo was known for his pack of Chow Chow dogs who individuals regularly fed during his disappearance. According to the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Shambo’s six dogs were released to them Feb. 26.

“They went to a Chow Chow rescue out of state,” said Ashley Degraaf, PAWS director. “They were very sweet dogs. They all stayed together.”

Anyone with information about Shambo is asked to call the OCSO at 850-651-7400.