Bear crashes Colorado farmers' market for a taste of fresh pastries
A bear wandered into a farmers' market in Aspen, Colorado last Saturday and helped itself to bread and baked goods, drawing a crowd of onlookers with their phones out. Wildlife officials say drought-driven food shortages are pushing bears into closer contact with people ahead of hibernation.
Shoppers at a farmers' market in downtown Aspen, Colorado, got an unusual surprise last Saturday when one of the browsers at a bakery stall turned out to be a bear.
The animal helped itself enthusiastically to fresh bread and pastries, standing up on its hind legs to reach the goods and at one point climbing onto the table itself for better access. Bystanders pulled out their phones to capture photos and video of the encounter as it unfolded.
Spotted while vendors were still setting up
According to Joey Livingston, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the bear first appeared while vendors were still arranging their stalls for the day. A police officer on the scene worked to steer the bear away from both the crowd and the baked goods while a wildlife officer made their way over. The bear eventually climbed a tree before leaving the area on its own.
Drought driving bears toward people
Officials note that bears become especially active and hungry in the lead-up to winter hibernation, as they work to build up fat reserves. This year, a record drought has cut down on natural food sources available to them, which wildlife officials say has led to an increase in bear encounters with the public as the animals search further afield for food.
