"A Young Bear Finding Its Way in the World"

(Sequoia Park Zoo/Chronicle)

A bear broke into a Northern California zoo seeking companionship from the captive bears:

The visitor, a black bear, “was observed interacting” with the Eureka zoo’s three black bears through the fencing on their habitat, the zoo said...

The Sequoia Park Zoo backs into wooded area where wild animals, including bears, are common, said Jim Campbell-Spickler, the zoo’s director. But it was the first time he’s heard of a bear coming in.

“He was able to get in by climbing a tree but was not able to get out” until staff let him out through a service gate back into the woods, Campbell-Spickler said. He said the bear was likely 1½ years old, around 150 pounds and dark brown in color (black bears can also be cinnamon brown and blond). “Not an aggressive bear in any way. He was just a curious guy.”

...Campbell-Spickler said the bear didn’t enter any animal habitats or break any fences, though it did explore some “enrichment items,” or mentally stimulating toys that the zoo provides to its animals...

Campbell-Spickler thought the bear could smell the other bears and that enticed it to check them out.

“It was a young bear finding its way in the world,” he said.

It's difficult enough deciding between freedom and security, but when you add food and companionship to the mix the latter is very compelling. Don't be surprised if the bear returns.