Black bear loose in Walt Disney World sparks ride closures, state gets involved

Editor’s note: This story was updated to add that the bear has been relocated.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Black Bear sighting in Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom park startled guests and sparked sudden ride closures on Monday morning.

Tuesday morning, the bear was reportedly released into the Ocala National Forest.

Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission was called to address the concerns of the bear, who spent most of its time between the trees near attractions such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, leading the areas to be evacuated.

“Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC officers, are on scene,” the commission said.

A Walt Disney World spokesperson reassured that the commission was working to capture and relocate the bear.

The Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Jungle Cruise were additionally shut down.

Around 2 p.m. ET Monday, the commission reported that the officers had safely captured the bear and began the relocation process.

“Staff have captured the animal and are relocating the bear out of the park to an area in or around the Ocala National Forest,” they said in the update.

During the search efforts, Disney provided an additional statement on the status of the rides.

“We are working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and have made the decision to reopen Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland,” the resort said.

Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean have also reportedly reopened as the bear was relocated.