THE DAILY WIRE · MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA · 2026-10-10
Morro Rock Gets A Visitor Who Didn't Come By Boat
A young black bear wandered into one of California's most photographed postcards this week, making an appearance at Morro Rock that startled onlookers more accustomed to seals, pelicans, and the occasional overconfident seagull. The sighting, reported Wednesday, is being called unusual by wildlife watchers for the simple reason that bears do not typically make the guest list at a 581-foot volcanic plug surrounded on three sides by ocean.
Details remain limited, but the animal was captured on camera near the landmark, prompting a flurry of local attention and, presumably, several ruined vacation photos. No injuries or property damage have been reported, and the bear's business at the coast was not disclosed.
This reporter has covered a great many bears breaking into homes, cars, and restaurants this year alone, but a bear simply visiting a scenic overlook, unprompted and seemingly unbothered, is a refreshing change of pace. One almost admires the restraint — no trash cans overturned, no garages entered, just a quiet morning constitutional along the Central Coast.
This reporter reached Pebbles, a sea otter who has held residency in the waters off Morro Rock longer than most harbor patrol officers, for comment on the unexpected neighbor. Her read on the situation does not match the tourists' version of events.
Wildlife officials have not indicated plans to relocate the bear, noting it appeared to leave the area under its own power. Morro Rock, for now, returns to its usual programming of otters, pelicans, and mildly annoyed sea lions.
“I've lived under that rock my whole life and never once seen a bear — we get sea lions, pelicans, and the occasional confused kayaker. Personally I think he was after the churro cart; bears can smell sugar from two miles out.” — Pebbles, Morro Bay sea otter
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