This morning’s excitement has come to a close, as the black bear previously sighted in Magic Kingdom has been captured by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, according to WESH 2.
Black Bear Captured in Magic Kingdom
This morning, prior to park open, Cast Members spotted the bear in a tree near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. Since the park was not yet open to guests, Adventureland, Liberty Square, and Frontierland experienced a delayed opening, and guests were kept out of the lands while the search was on for the animal.
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.
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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
At the time, the following attractions were temporarily closed to guests:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Jungle Cruise
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- The Hall of Presidents
- Haunted Mansion
Just before 1 p.m. this afternoon, Walt Disney World made the call to open the three lands to guests. According to WESH 2, around 1:15 p.m., those involved with the search for the bear were seen carrying a large black figure in a white tarp, which you can see in the photo above.
Per WESH 2, the adult female bear has been safely captured and will be relocated out of the park to an area in or around the Ocala National Forest.
Watch the video from WESH below.
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