Wild Black Bear Briefly Roams Sequoia Park Zoo Before Safe Return
Zoo leaders cite intact fencing, with a possible tree route from adjacent Sequoia Park under review.
Overview
- Staff discovered the juvenile bear on Oct. 17 during a routine inspection of the Redwood Sky Walk.
- Emergency protocols were activated and, with assistance from Eureka police and state wildlife officials, the bear was guided out through a service gate.
- The animal remained calm, watched the resident black bears from outside their enclosure, and briefly investigated enrichment items.
- No injuries, property damage, or habitat breaches were reported, and the zoo says its perimeter fence remains secure.
- The director told the San Francisco Chronicle the bear likely climbed in from Sequoia Park and estimated it at about 1½ years old and 150 pounds.