Bear Enjoys Unplanned Visit to Alaska Hospital

While most people wait until Halloween for a candy feast, a black bear in Alaska had other plans. This bear decided October 12 was close enough and embarked on a unique adventure.

Instead of the traditional door-to-door approach of trick-or-treaters, the bear helped itself to available treats. The unanticipated guest arrived around 2 a.m. at a hospital on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage. As reported by Alaska’s News Source, the bear wandered through the hospital’s emergency department. It eventually stumbled upon a bucket of donated Halloween candy and indulged in a feast.

A witness, Sherri Warnke, was visiting her mother at the hospital when she encountered the bear in a dimly lit hallway. About 30 feet away, she found herself in a tense situation without a hospital badge, leaving all doors along the corridor locked. Warnke carefully backed away, hoping the bear wouldn’t notice her. Fortunately, the bear became engrossed with the candy, preferring sweets over human interaction.

The hospital eventually broadcasted an announcement warning about the bear’s presence. Despite this, some medical staff took the opportunity to capture photos of the unusual visitor.

Warnke managed to leave unharmed, and the bear reportedly exited the hospital through its initial entry point. No injuries occurred during the visit.

Later, hospital staff showed Warnke a surveillance image of the bear at the emergency department reception desk, humorously suggesting it appeared to be checking in. With winter approaching, bears typically focus on gaining weight for hibernation by hunting salmon or scavenging for berries. However, this bear discovered a more direct source of calories.

While the bear’s candy caper proved eventful, a costume might have completed its Halloween adventure.