Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL. — Courtesy: Shutterstock — dorengo5
According to a press release from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, a bear that forced partial closures at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Monday was safely captured and is being transferred.
“In most cases, it is best for bears to be given space and to move along on their own, but given this situation, 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.
The animal was an adult female, according to FWC.
According to the My Disney Experience app, almost a dozen attractions were closed on Monday while authorities searched for the bear at Magic Kingdom.
According to an official app screenshot provided to CNN by Craig Williams, executive producer at wdwinfo.com, the following attractions were closed to the general public at 11:17 am EDT: Swiss Family Treehouse, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer Island, Walt Disney World Railroad, Liberty Square Riverboat, Hall of Presidents, and Haunted Mansion.
It was unclear whether or how many of the closures were caused by the bear sighting. CNN has contacted Disney for more information regarding particular closures but has not yet received a response.
In an earlier statement, Disney said, “We are working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and have made the decision to reopen Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park.”
The bear was found by CNN affiliate WESH in a woodland area close to the “It’s a Small World” ride in the Magic Kingdom. The bear is seen being removed from the location in a tarp by a team in the footage.
At the resort, there are three other amusement parks: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.