UPDATE, 1:15 p.m.:

The Sequoia Park Zoo also posted about this incident on social media, with two photos of the visiting bear.

It was an eventful morning at Sequoia Park Zoo! 

Staff conducting the Redwood Sky Walk daily inspection spotted a wild American black bear within the Zoo facility.  Emergency procedures were implemented immediately, and the facility deployed a rapid response to assess and resolve the situation.

We are grateful to Eureka Police Department and California Department of Fish and Wildlife for their swift response and assistance in creating a calm and safe resolution. This was an exemplary execution of our emergency systems which resulted in the best outcome for everyone involved – including the bear!

The wild bear did not appear aggressive and was observed interacting with Tule, Ishŭng, and Kunabulilh through their habitat fencing. At no point did the wild bear enter any animal habitats and, after a brief exploration of the enrichment items around the night house, the bear was safely coaxed back into the woods through a service gate.

Overall, he was a very polite visitor. He stayed on the boardwalk path, kept two feet on the ground and didn’t try to climb over the railings! (But seriously. When we say “wildlife welcome”, this isn’t exactly what we have in mind. )

The perimeter fencing separating the Zoo from Sequoia Park is intact and secure, and it is currently unknown how the animal gained access to the Zoo. We will continue to monitor the situation. Wild bears and other animals call Sequoia Park home, and we remind our guests to responsibly live alongside them by observing wildlife from a distance, staying on marked trails and always being aware of your surroundings.

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Original post:

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The Eureka Police Department posted the following message to its Facebook page shortly after 10 a.m.:

This morning, our officers responded to Sequoia Park Zoo to assist with an unusual guest — a wild bear decided to stop by and check out the exhibits.

Rest assured, the bear is not aggressive and seems more curious than anything else (perhaps hoping to apply for a membership). Our officers are on scene to help keep everyone safe while California Department of Fish and Wildlife works on gently encouraging the bear to move along to a more appropriate habitat.

The zoo remains secure, and there is no immediate threat to the public. We kindly ask that you give wildlife plenty of space and follow any directions from staff if you’re visiting today.

It’s not every day we find ourselves helping with crowd control for a bear who doesn’t quite understand “stay behind the railings.” Thank you for your patience as we let nature take its course…safely.