Young Black Bear Briefly Visits Eureka Zoo

A young (about 1.5-year-old) American black bear made a calm, unexpected visit to Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, California, climbing a tree near the perimeter and sniffing and interacting through fencing with resident bears Kunabulih, Tule and Ishung. Zoo staff said the wild bear never entered habitats or public spaces and that there was no aggression or disruption; it returned on its own to the neighboring 67-acre forest. Emergency protocols were enacted, and the Eureka Police Department and California Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified. The zoo emphasized messages of respectful distance and “keeping wild bears wild.”