A black bear was found napping inside a Montana home, after getting itself locked inside the mudroom, on June 20.
Missoula County Sheriff’s Office was called at around 5:45 a.m. to a residence in the Butler Creek area. Deputies posted a short statement, with pictures and a video, to the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
“This black bear had opened the door to the mudroom of this residence and somehow managed to deadbolt the door from inside,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
According to the deputies, the bear caused damage to the room but eventually got tired and climbed into the closet to take a nap.
Knocking on the window had no effect other than conjuring up a stretch and a yawn from the bear.
Hoping the bear would hop down and leave, deputies unlocked the door—but the bear only continued to yawn.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks were called to help and relocate the bear after tranquilizing it.
“The homeowners were glad he [the bear] was removed in good health, but won’t soon forget when this intruder came looking for the bear necessities!” said the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
The bear looked peaceful during the relocation procedure, as it slept deeply.
Facebook users commended the authorities for dealing with the bear without harming it.
“Bearly had time to dream,” said one user on Facebook. “Seriously, happy to hear he was removed safely!”
Another user replied, “Kudos for using the minimum safe force and getting him out safely!”
“Wow! What a story,” said another Facebook user. “Loved it that the bear is unharmed too.”
Other Facebook users joked about the situation.
“Bear on a Shelf—the official Christmas Ornament of Missoula County,” said one Facebook user.
Another Facebook user said, “When you leave out bowls of fresh porridge, what do you expect is going to happen!? Sheesh!”
“It’s amazing and incredible you live in a place where folks still don’t lock doors, and the reason to lock them is bears!” said another Facebook user.
The Sheriff’s Office added in their post, “This is another good reason to lock up, as we also have unconfirmed reports that he tried two other closets before he decided this one was juuuuuust right (kidding)! But seriously, lock up!’
Meanwhile in Canada
Recently in Canada, a man took to Twitter to claim his dog was being bribed by a black bear with deer bones so that it could rummage through the trash.
Jesse Jordan of Ontario said his dog Brickleberry has only one job at night, to bark at things and make them go away.
Allegedly the dog accepts the deer bones from a bear in exchange for access to his owner’s trash.
“Although I basically handed my dog this position of power, it’s become very clear that he has no idea how to actually do the job properly,” said Jordon on Twitter. “Now not only do I have to clean up a huge mess, I see him putting his own self-interest first. Clearly, I have no choice but to impeach him.”
Jordan posted pictures of the alleged crime scene, a mess of garbage strewn across his porch and his dog Brickleberry happily gnawing on large deer bones.
“He is great with kids and apparently bears,” Jordan wrote on Twitter.
Many users on Twitter posted humorous replies to Jordan’s plight.
“And apparently a fantastic negotiator,” said one Twitter user.
Another Twitter user jokingly said from the perspective of the bear, “I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse for your refuse.”
“Thank you for posting this beautifully written article,” said another Twitter user. “It’s no exaggeration to say I could bearly believe what I was reading!!”
