While many wait for Halloween to indulge in sweets, one adventurous black bear in Alaska decided that October 12th sufficed for a treat. Instead of seeking treats door-to-door as trick-or-treaters do, this bear ventured into new territory.
At around 2 a.m. on a Monday, the unexpected guest wandered into a hospital on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska. Reports from Alaska’s News Source reveal that the bear strolled through the emergency department before making an exciting discovery—a bucket filled with donated Halloween candy.
Witness Sherri Warnke, leaving the hospital after visiting her mother, encountered the bear roughly 30 feet away in a poorly lit hallway. With no hospital badge, Warnke found herself in a locked corridor, face-to-face with the bear.
Warnke cautiously retreated, hoping to remain unnoticed. Luckily, the bear became preoccupied with the candy, finding chocolate more appealing than human interaction. Eventually, a hospital intercom alerted everyone about the bear’s presence. Despite the warning, some doctors left their posts to snap pictures of the unusual visitor.
Warnke managed to leave unscathed, and according to reports, the bear exited the building using the same route it had entered. No injuries were reported during the incident. Hospital staff later shared a surveillance photo with Warnke, humorously suggesting the bear appeared to check in at the emergency department’s reception desk.
As winter approaches, bears focus on gaining weight for hibernation. Their typical activities include catching salmon and foraging for berries and food. However, this bear discovered a sweet alternative to traditional fall fare.