Black Bear found inside Magic Kingdom at Disney World
A black bear in a tree at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World caused a partial closure of the park this morning.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is now on site working on capturing and relocating the bear.
Update: Fish & Wildlife said captured the bear the female black bear in an area away from guests in the northern section of the Rivers of America. The bear will be relocated to an area in or around the Ocala National Forest. Here is video of the capture from WESH-TV.
Disney nor the Fish & Wildlife provided the exact position of the bear, but rumors around the park is that the bear was spotted by Cast Members in an area near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Because of this Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland at Magic Kingdom were all closed this morning.
According to Disney, “We are working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and have made the decision to reopen Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. As shared by the FWC, staff are on site and working on capturing and relocating the bear.”
Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC Law Enforcement officers, are on scene. “In most cases, it is best for bears to be given space and to move along on their own, but given this situation, staff are working on capturing and relocating the bear,” according to an official statement from the agency.
“During the fall, bears are more active as they search for food to pack on fat reserves for the winter. This particular bear was likely moving through the area searching for food.
The FWC reminds people that if you see a bear, to give it space and never approach or feed it. To learn more about bears and how to avoid conflicts with them, visit MyFWC.com/Bear or BearWise.org,” the statement said.
