A wild black bear was recently seen and safely removed from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park in Orlando, Florida. The bear was spotted by a cast member during a routine inspection before the park’s opening. As a precautionary measure, Disney World delayed the opening of certain areas and called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance.
The FWC successfully captured the bear and removed it from the park later that day, allowing the reopened areas to resume normal operations. In a statement, the FWC explained that bears are more active in the fall as they search for food to prepare for the winter. The bear likely entered the park in search of food.
This is not the first time a wild animal has made its way to Disney World. In 2016, a tragic incident occurred when a child was attacked and killed by an alligator near one of the resort’s lagoons. As a result, Disney has implemented measures to remove and relocate alligators from its properties.
In June 2021, it was reported that more than 250 alligators had been removed from Disney World and other Florida-based Disney properties since 2016. Some alligators were euthanized, while others were sold for meat or sent to zoos and other attractions.
It’s important to note that bears and other wild animals should be given space and not fed if encountered. In Florida, bears have also been spotted in unexpected places, such as Tampa International Airport and even inside a family’s refrigerator, as seen in a viral video featuring a three-legged bear stealing a can of White Claw.
FAQ:
Q: What happened to the bear after it was removed from Disney World?
A: The bear was safely captured by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and relocated to the Ocala National Forest or surrounding areas.
Q: Why was there a delay in opening certain areas of the Magic Kingdom?
A: The delay was implemented to ensure the safety of park visitors and allow the FWC to handle the bear sighting appropriately.
Q: Are there any other instances of wild animals being spotted at Disney World?
A: Yes, in 2016, a child was tragically attacked and killed by an alligator near one of the resort’s lagoons. Since then, Disney has taken measures to remove and relocate alligators from its properties.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a black bear in Florida?
A: It is recommended to give the bear space and not feed it. Contact local authorities or wildlife conservation agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), for assistance.
