Bear shuts down part of Walt Disney World park

Bear shuts down part of Walt Disney World park

An animal – and not of the rodent variety – caused some issues at Walt Disney World in Orlando today.

Fox35 reported a bear was spotted Monday in a tree near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland area of Magic Kingdom. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they believe the bear was moving through the area looking for food as it’s the time of year they bulk up for winter.

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

The black bear was reportedly stuck in a tree, forcing closures for more than a dozen rides. Unconfirmed report said the bear was found in one of the caves on Tom Sawyer’s Island in the park.

As of noon CT, the following rides were closed, according to Disney’s app:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Hall of Presidents
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
  • Tom Sawyer Island
  • Walt Disney World Railroad at Frontierland and Main Street