The Country Bears have some new competition in Magic Kingdom. A black bear was reportedly spotted in a tree near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. The bear’s presence led to the western side of Magic Kingdom being shut down, including Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland.
NEW: In a statement, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it is aware of reports of a black bear spotted in a tree at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.
"Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC officers, are on scene."
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 18, 2023
Cast members have blocked the pathways from the hub into the western half of Magic Kingdom, keeping guests far away from where the bear was sighted.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is working with Disney and local law enforcement to relocate the bear away from the Magic Kingdom. The FWC believes the bear was likely looking for food in the area to prepare for the upcoming winter months.
The bear was eventually captured.
NEW: The FWC safely captured the adult, female bear spotted in a tree earlier today at Magic Kingdom Park. The bear was captured in a backstage area northeast of the Rivers of America. pic.twitter.com/mxXYCvYOHm
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 18, 2023
As odd as this story sounds, black bear sightings are relatively common around Florida. This map of user-submitted bear sightings in the state, many with pictures, show just how common it is around the Orlando area.
