Black bear in Magic Kingdom results in ride closures at Disney World
FWC photo of black bear resting in tree.
Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Bear Managemen Program and FWC Law Enforcement Officers worked to successfully capture and relocate the bear, which was likely moving through the park in search of food.
During the fall, Florida black bears begin consuming additional calories in order to pack on fat reserves for the winter, even though they do not hibernate as long as bears do in colder climates. Adult bears need to consume approximately 20,000 calories each day during the fall, meaning they are more active, in search of food, and that includes female bears with cubs. If given the opportunity, bears will take advantage of any easy meal - often from pet food bowls, unsecured trash cans, and bird feeders.
While black bears generally are not aggressive, they can injure people and pets. Female bears with cubs can be particularly defensive and protective of their offspring.
According to news reports, a squirrel took a spin on the park's Carousel of Progress attraction in July 2023.