Now over a year ago, two hungry bears staged a memorable heist on a Krispy Kreme donut delivery van stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. The mother bear and her cub spent nearly 20 minutes enjoying donut holes and other sweets, unfazed by attempts to shoo them away. Shelly Deano, the store manager who witnessed the event, recalled her surprise as the bears broke open packages and feasted. Despite her banging on the van, the duo only left when base security set off sirens. It’s a story that employees and locals still share.
“They don’t even care,” Deano remarked at the bears’ indifference to human presence while indulging in sugary treats. Since the incident, base employees have adopted new safety measures, like securing garbage in pairs, especially during dark or early morning hours.
Bears’ Sweet Tooth: A Growing Issue
The Krispy Kreme raid may have been a one-time event in Alaska, but it reflects a larger trend in North America. In recent months, bear-related food raids in human habitats have surged. This summer in La Cañada, California, another black bear wandered into a family’s garage fridge and helped itself to a watermelon before disappearing into the mountains. Such incidents have become more frequent as bears grow increasingly accustomed to human food sources.
Wildlife experts explain that these encounters are no mere accident. Bears have an extraordinary sense of smell—up to 1,000 times stronger than a dog’s—which enables them to detect high-sugar snacks from afar. Forest Galante, a wildlife biologist and TV host, suggests that the uptick in such incidents could be tied to what he describes as a sugar addiction. “Certain bears are becoming addicted to human substances,” Galante said, explaining that regular exposure to human food can lead to cravings for these convenient treats.
Why Bears Keep Coming Back
For bears, human food is a tempting and calorie-rich shortcut. Repeated exposure to sugar-rich items has led some bears to develop particular cravings that override their instincts to forage. In California’s Sierra Madre, a bear called Junior became a local fixture after taking up residence under a family’s house. Susan Nesler, one of the homeowners, suggested that Junior’s diet of human food was likely to blame for dental issues. “His teeth were going bad, which is probably from eating the junk food,” she said, hinting at the longer-term effects that such foods can have on bears’ health.
How To Prevent Bear Encounters
As bears become more familiar with urban food sources, wildlife officials emphasize practical steps that residents and campers can take to deter unwanted bear encounters.
- Secure trash and food sources: One of the most effective methods is using bear-proof trash containers. Keeping garbage indoors until pick-up day or investing in bear-resistant bins can significantly reduce the likelihood of an encounter.
- Limit food attractants: Simple actions like cleaning grills, storing pet food indoors, and avoiding outdoor food sources such as bird feeders made a difference in keeping bears at bay. For campers, bear canisters and hanging food bags can keep food inaccessible in the wild.
- Community education: Officials urge neighborhoods to stay informed and vigilant. Teaching residents how to responsibly handle food waste and alerting wildlife agencies in case of a sighting can improve community safety.
- Avoid confrontation: Bears may appear harmless while eating, but they are unpredictable and may become aggressive if approached. If you spot a bear nearby, give it space and contact local authorities if necessary.
Finding Balance with Bears
Though bears’ antics may make for entertaining news stories, their presence in populated areas highlights an ongoing challenge in human coexistence with wildlife. At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, employees continue to be vigilant, securing garbage and closing doors. “We urge the public to use caution to ensure you are protecting our wildlife and yourselves,” said Captain Lexi Smith, a spokesperson for the base, stressing the need to keep human food out of reach.
The Krispy Kreme raid remains a reminder of the growing need for bear-aware communities. As long as food is accessible, these clever animals may keep seeking out human treats, making it essential for residents to practice effective bear-safe habits.
Sources:
- AP News: Bears raid a Krispy Kreme doughnut van making deliveries on an Alaska military base
- CBS News: Wildlife expert says bears could be raiding neighborhoods more often because they’re addicted to sugar and alcohol
- Andrew Skurka: Food protection techniques in bear country
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