When it comes to Walt Disney World Resort, most Disney Guests’ and theme park Guests’ focus is on the Disney magic. However, because Disney World is located in the real world — and in Florida specifically — there is also another kind of magic in the air: the magic of nature!
There are incredible forms of wildlife throughout Florida (not to mention the entire world), so it’s virtually impossible to avoid running into some native flora and fauna on your trip to Disney World (or anywhere, for that matter).
Disney Guests’ Scaly Friends
In Florida and Disney World, some of the most famous wildlife sightings always involve one of three species: lizards, snakes, and alligators or American crocodiles (Florida’s crocodiles are far more reclusive than its alligators, aside from the non-native crocodiles found in the Kilimanjaro Safaris area in the Africa section of the Animal Kingdom).
Disney World staff have removed at least 200 alligators from Disney World since the year 2016, when a child was killed by an alligator in the Seven Seas Lagoon at Grand Floridian Resort. However, the most recent wildlife sighting involves something far less scaly!
Journalist Sam Walker recently shared a photo on Twitter from a Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Guest. The photo shows a Florida black bear exploring the Disney campsite’s Hickory Hollow region and 1700 loop area.
No laughing matter! #OBX doesn't have all the bears, so does @WaltDisneyWorld. Nicole Hollowell spotted this one today in the 1700 loop/Hickory Hollow at Fort Wilderness! pic.twitter.com/Mtt9zbuf5v
— SamWalkerOBXNews.com🎙📻📰🥍🦓 (@SamWalkerOBX) June 15, 2023
Too Close For Comfort?
“No laughing matter!” Walker wrote in the Tweet shown above. “Nicole Hollowell spotted this one today in the 1700 loop/Hickory Hollow at Fort Wilderness!”
Since Fort Wilderness is obviously a Disney Resort with a focus on getting back to nature and embracing the wild, the presence of a black bear should not be too surprising.
If You Care, Leave it There
Bears are a common threat on campsites because they have an amazing sense of smell and are attracted to campers’ trash or food, which is why any experienced camper knows how important it is to properly dispose of trash quickly and hang food high up in well-sealed containers (and to never keep food in one’s tent).
However, black bears are typically shy and easy to frighten with loud noises and posturing — and unless a black bear is directly bothering you, there’s really no need to do either! Simply keep your distance and let the bear carry on with its Disney vacation.
