Disney's array of anthropomorphic bears is legendary. But Magic Kingdom had an unscripted, "beary" special guest this week - and it wasn't "Winnie the Pooh" or "Baloo!"
Not on the set of the "Country Bear Jamboree" or the wild safaris of Animal Kingdom, on the morning of 18SEP, a real-life black bear decided to have its version of a "treehouse stay" in the Magic Kingdom. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had to be called in for this unscheduled "meet and greet." By Monday afternoon, equipped with their 'bear necessities,' the FWC, donning their best ranger costumes, safely escorted the adult female bear away from the Disney scene.
Thanks to the bear's unscripted appearance, a few attractions took an unexpected "paws." But a spokesperson for Disney shared with ABC News that Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland quickly returned to their regularly scheduled magic.
The wandering bear will now take her adventures to the Ocala National Forest, a scenic spot "beary" close, just 80 miles north of the park.
"Staff have captured the animal and are relocating the bear out of the park to an area in or around the Ocala National Forest," FWC said in an update.
This "tree-mendous" adventure is suspected to be a rumbly-tummy food hunt - perhaps for a hunny-pot of delicious treats? "The bear was likely in search of food ahead of the winter hibernation season," the FWC said.
The exact location of the bear's Disneyland adventure is still a mystery, but Disney's vast green oasis sometimes welcomes those who skip the ticket line. And while the "bear-rier" was breached this time, other creatures like snakes and local alligators have also tried to get a piece of the Disney magic.
The FWC says Florida is home to around 4,000 black bears. And come early FEB, much like the Pride Lands of "The Lion King," the circle of life spins its tale when tiny roars announce the arrival of baby bears.
With Florida's booming human population, not-so-enchanted bear-human encounters are becoming more common. Yet, Disney assures visitors that the wild wonders of nature are truly magical and their protocols are in place to ensure every tale has a happy ending.
One can't help but think of Goldilocks and her escapades with the three bears. Only, in Disney's Magic Kingdom, it wasn't porridge that was too hot or too cold, but a setting that was "just right."
