URGENT UPDATE: A wild black bear made a surprising entrance into Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo this morning, interacting with the zoo’s resident bears before being safely escorted out by zoo staff and wildlife officials. This unexpected encounter occurred around 8:30 AM on October 17, 2025, and prompted no injuries or habitat breaches.
Zoo employees were conducting their daily inspection of the Redwood Sky Walk when they spotted the bear on the boardwalk. “Our three bears are very distinctive in appearance, and I recognized right away that it was not one of ours,” said Christine Noel, a zoo representative. The wild bear, which “did not appear aggressive,” showed interest in the zoo’s bears—Tule, Ishŭng, and Nabu—but did not enter any animal habitats.
The incident drew immediate attention from zoo staff and a warden from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who worked swiftly to guide the bear back into the forested area surrounding the park. Officials confirmed that the exact method of the bear’s entry into the zoo remains unknown, as it is enclosed by a secure fence.
Bears are part of the diverse wildlife living within the 60-acre park, which lies within the city limits of Eureka. The zoo’s resident bears are classified as “non-releasable” by wildlife officials, meaning they would struggle to survive if returned to the wild. Tule and Ishŭng, both about 3.5 years old, along with one-year-old Nabu, were rescued as cubs and brought to the zoo for rehabilitation.
As the bear explored briefly, it showed curiosity about the enrichment items around its night house, captivating zoo visitors and staff alike. The incident highlights the ongoing interactions between urban wildlife and local communities, raising questions about safety and animal behavior.
Authorities are now monitoring the area to ensure that the bear has safely returned to its natural habitat and to prevent future encounters. The event serves as a reminder of the wildlife that thrives in close proximity to urban environments and underscores the importance of wildlife safety protocols.
For the latest updates on wildlife encounters and zoo activities, stay tuned to our coverage.
