Bear’s Halloween Candy Adventure in Alaska Hospital

Many people wait until Halloween to indulge in candy, but a black bear in Alaska chose October 12 instead. Unlike typical trick-or-treaters who go door-to-door, this bear helped itself to whatever was available.

The surprise arrival took place around 2 a.m. at a hospital on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska. According to Alaska’s News Source, the bear entered the hospital’s emergency department, discovered a bucket of donated Halloween candy, and began eating it.

Reports suggest the bear might have even enjoyed candy corn.

Sherri Warnke, leaving the hospital after visiting her mother, saw the bear about 30 feet away in a dimly lit hallway. Without a hospital badge, Warnke found herself trapped with the bear as all doors were locked to her.

Warnke carefully backed away, hoping to avoid the bear’s attention. Luckily, the bear found the candy bucket just in time and seemingly preferred chocolate over a human encounter.

An announcement over the hospital intercom later warned everyone about the bear. Some doctors still emerged to take pictures.

Warnke safely exited the hospital, and the bear reportedly left through the same entrance it used to come in. No injuries occurred during the incident.

Hospital staff later showed Warnke a surveillance photo of the bear at the emergency department reception desk, humorously noting it seemed to be checking in.

As winter nears, bears are actively gaining weight before hibernation. While many bears catch salmon or scour dumpsters and berry bushes, this one found its treat indoors.

Perhaps a costume would have been appropriate for the bear’s Halloween adventure.