On September 18th, a bear was spotted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The sighting led to several attractions closing. Maybe the bear entered the park to get some of those tasty Mickey beignets. Or to experience the Winnie the Pooh ride.Or, hear us out- he was mad about the changes to Country Bear Jamboree.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is aware of a black bear reported in a tree on Walt Disney World property at the Magic Kingdom,” the FWC said in a statement to a local Orlando news outlet. “Biologist with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC Law Enforcement officials are on scene.”
The female black bear was supposedly seen in a tree near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. Due to the proximity Big Thunder Mountain was temporarily shut down. Other attractions shut down were the Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and the Walt Disney World Railroad. As a precaution Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland were closed to parkgoers.
By 1pm local time, many of the attractions were reopened. “We are working with the FWC and have made the decision to re-open Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park,” Disney said in a statement.
FWC officials believe the bear was most likely searching for food ahead of the upcoming hibernation season. “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,” the FWC’s statement continued. The bear was captured and relocated to a National Park.
