A bear made an unexpected visit to an ice cream parlour at Camp Richardson Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California, early on Sunday morning. The bear, affectionately nicknamed Fuzzy by the local sheriff’s office, managed to sneak inside and sample various ice cream flavours before authorities arrived.
Around 4:11 AM, a security guard heard noises and initially suspected they were coming from a rubbish bin. Upon investigation, he discovered Fuzzy behind the counter, enjoying an ice cream taste test. The bear had entered through the front door and gone directly for the ice cream, sampling from a selection of 20 flavours and 13 toppings, which include classic choices such as vanilla bean and chocolate, as well as more adventurous options like coconut pineapple and green tea.
As the deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found Fuzzy amidst overturned tubs and half-eaten ice cream, leaving paw prints across the floor. The deputies startled the bear, which struggled to find an exit. After some commotion, Fuzzy eventually lumbered back outside, where deputies guided him away from the parlour and into the forest.
According to the sheriff’s office, the ice cream parlour sustained minimal damage. The staff reported that there was “barely any clean-up,” though all the ice cream had to be discarded. William Boas, vice president of operations for ExplorUS, which manages Camp Richardson Resort, stated, “We’re pretty sure he didn’t wash his claws before he came in, so all the ice cream had to be replaced.”
The parlour reopened later that day after undergoing a thorough cleaning. While this incident stood out due to its unusual setting, encounters with bears in the Tahoe Basin are not uncommon. This area boasts one of the highest populations of black bears in the United States, with approximately 500 black bears residing in the Tahoe Basin and around 60,000 throughout California.
In the past two years, the sheriff’s office has responded to nearly 650 bear-related calls, addressing issues such as cars being broken into and kitchens being raided. Sergeant Kyle Parker, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, recounted a previous incident where a bear entered an unlocked car in search of food and ended up trapped inside.
Residents and visitors are advised by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to avoid feeding bears and to give them a clear escape route if encountered. Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the department, noted, “I would not say to ‘stand your ground’ if a bear approaches. Make yourself look big, make loud noises, and continue to back away.”
The tendency for black bears in the region to seek out human food has become increasingly prevalent. Alexia Ronning, a bear specialist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, explained that many bears have developed a preference for human food due to its accessibility. “Why root for berries or grubs when there is pizza or ice cream to be had?” she asked.
Interestingly, it appears that Fuzzy had a particular fondness for strawberry ice cream. According to Sergeant Parker, “He ate the most of that one.”
This remarkable encounter highlights both the charm and the challenges of living in close proximity to wildlife in popular tourist areas, reminding visitors to respect the natural habitat of these creatures.
