A bear casually strolled into an ice cream parlour at Camp Richardson Resort near Lake Tahoe, California, causing quite the stir early Sunday morning. The unexpected visitor, later nicknamed Fuzzy by authorities, seized the opportunity to sample various ice cream flavors before being escorted back into the wild by local law enforcement.
The incident unfolded just after 04:00 on March 17, 2024, when a security guard heard unusual noises coming from behind the ice cream shop. Initially suspecting a disturbance near a rubbish bin, he soon discovered that the source was much more intriguing. A large black bear had entered through the front door and made itself at home behind the counter, seemingly ready to serve customers.
Upon discovering Fuzzy, the guard promptly contacted the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived to find the bear delighting in a variety of flavors, with tubs toppled over and ice cream partially consumed. The parlour offers a diverse selection, including classic flavors like vanilla bean and chocolate, as well as adventurous options such as coconut pineapple and green tea.
Images shared by the sheriff’s office on social media captured the scene, showcasing Fuzzy’s extensive taste test. William Boas, vice president of operations for ExplorUS, which manages the resort, confirmed that the bear caused minimal property damage. “The bear caused barely any property damage, and there was barely any clean-up,” the sheriff’s office noted.
Despite the bear’s antics, the impact on the parlour was primarily limited to the ice cream itself. “We’re pretty sure he didn’t wash his claws before he came in, so all the ice cream had to be replaced,” Boas added. Following a thorough cleaning, the shop reopened later that day, ready to serve its usual summer patrons.
Bear Encounters in the Tahoe Basin
Encounters with bears are not uncommon in the Tahoe Basin, which hosts one of the densest populations of black bears in the United States. According to Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there are approximately 500 black bears in the Tahoe Basin and around 60,000 across California. In the past two years, the sheriff’s office has responded to nearly 650 bear-related incidents, ranging from cars being broken into to kitchens being raided.
Sergeant Kyle Parker recalled a similar event from 2018 when a bear entered a car through an unlocked door looking for food and became trapped inside. To ensure public safety, Tira advises residents and visitors to avoid feeding bears and to allow them an escape route if encountered. “Make yourself look big, make loud noises, and continue to back away,” he cautioned.
The increasing encounters with bears can be attributed in part to their adaptation to human food sources, which are often more readily available than natural options. Alexia Ronning, a bear specialist in the Tahoe Basin, noted that black bears have developed a preference for human food, making ice cream parlours and other eateries attractive targets.
As for Fuzzy, it appears that strawberry ice cream was his top choice during the late-night tasting. “He ate the most of that one,” Parker confirmed, adding a light-hearted touch to an otherwise unusual situation.
While this incident stands out due to its playful nature, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and human activity in popular tourist areas like Lake Tahoe. The bear’s brief visit to the ice cream parlour has provided a moment of amusement and reflection for both locals and visitors alike.
