Page 5 - IAV Digital Magazine #630

Wild Bear Breaks Into Zoo, Is Found Hanging Our Near Bear Enclosure
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0NIhzw_bqg
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A wild black bear made an unex- pected visit to the Sequoia Park
Zoo in Eureka, California, seeking companionship with the zoo's resi- dent bears. The curious visitor was spotted around 9:30 a.m., before the zoo opened, by a staff member conducting a rou- tine inspection near the Redwood Sky Walk. The bear was seen interacting with Tule, Ishŭng, and Kunabulilh, the zoo's three black bears, through the habitat fencing.
According to a statement from the zoo, the wild bear did not dis- play any aggres- sion and appeared
to be a "very polite" visitor. It stayed on the boardwalk path and did not attempt to enter any animal habi- tats. The bear like- ly entered the zoo by climbing a tree but was unable to find its way out.
Zoo Director Jim Campbell- Spickler estimated the bear to be about one-and-a- half years old and weighing approxi- mately 150 pounds. He spec- ulated that the bear was drawn to the zoo by the scent of its fellow bears. The perimeter fencing of the 60-acre Sequoia Park, which borders the zoo, remained undisturbed.
The Eureka Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were contacted to ensure a safe res- olution. The bear was gently coaxed back into the woods through a service
gate. Laura Montagna, the Eureka Police Department's pub- lic information offi- cer, remarked
that the bear was likely just lonely and looking for companionship.
The zoo reminded visitors to observe wildlife from a dis- tance and stay on marked trails, as wild bears and other animals call Sequoia Park home.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine