Bear Sighting in Disney Theme Park Shuts Down Rides, Florida Wildlife Officials Spring to Action

(Photo : Bryan R. Smith / Getty Images)
10 Rides were shut down in a Disney theme park in Florida after a bear sighting was reported.

A black bear was captured by Florida wildlife officials following a bear sighting that caused the temporary closure of 10 rides at a Disney theme park.

Bear Sighting in Disney

The black bear that managed to steal the show on Monday at Walt Disney World was reportedly in a tree close to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland, according to eyewitness accounts.

Visitors are not permitted to enter the park's western side because cast members are stationed at the Liberty Square and Adventureland entrances.

Bears in Florida

Bears can be found practically anywhere in Florida, but they prefer a variety of flatwoods, swamps, scrub oak ridges, bayheads, and hammock environments, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. where they travel to find food, water, and a suitable hiding place.

The bear that was spotted Monday was not the first unexpected wildlife sighting at Magic Kingdom. Numerous alligators have been spotted by Splash Mountain over the years as logs pass past, and one even made a home in a washroom stall.

Disney has a robust animal management operation that is prepared to address the majority of wildlife-related incidents in the area.

Although black bears are often not violent, however, they can turn aggressive if they feel threatened, just like any other wild animal. More than half of the bear-related injuries to individuals in Florida have involved dogs. Owners should keep dogs nearby while walking them, ideally on a non-retractable leash, and pay attention to the surroundings. This will help to avoid conflicts with bears and other wildlife.

Also Read: Grizzly Bear Sightings Increase as Population Expands Across More Spots in Montana 

10 Rides Temporarily Closed

Due to the black bear's appearance in a tree in the Magic Kingdom, three areas - Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland - didn't open on time Monday morning, and there were lengthy lines as a result of the animal encounter. Country Bear Jamboree, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, and five additional rides are among those that are momentarily closed.

According to a statement from Disney World, members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came to the site to capture and relocate the black bear.

The bear sighting has been reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which brought FWC Law Enforcement personnel on site, and bear management program biologists are on the site. While the staff was still attempting to capture the bear, the agency reminded visitors that in most circumstances, it is ideal to leave bears room to roam and to go ahead on their own.

The adult female black bear ended up being captured and taken outside the park, possibly to the Ocala National Forest, according to the commission.

According to a statement from the Wildlife Commission, the bear was probably looking for food as it tried to stock up for the winter.

Related Article: Grizzly Bears Being Baited, Trapped in Yellowstone Until August 31 for Ongoing USGS Studies, Collaring