Bear Sneaks into Alaska Hospital for Halloween Treats

Most people wait until Halloween to indulge in candy. However, one black bear in Alaska thought October 12 was close enough. This unconventional trick-or-treater decided to help himself to whatever he could find. The bear showed up around 2 a.m. at a hospital on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska. According to reports from Alaska’s News Source, the bear ventured through the hospital’s emergency department and discovered a bucket of donated Halloween candy, which became a feast.

A woman named Sherri Warnke, exiting the hospital after visiting her mother, spotted the bear about 30 feet away in a dim hallway. Not having a hospital badge meant Warnke was stuck in the hallway with the bear, as all doors were locked to her. Slowly backing away, she hoped the bear wouldn’t take notice. Fortunately, the bear decided the candy bucket was more interesting than her.

Following the bear’s entry, the hospital intercom issued a warning about the bear inside the building. Despite the announcement, some doctors emerged to capture photos. Warnke safely exited the scene, while the bear left through the same door it used to enter. No injuries were reported.

Later, hospital staff showed Warnke a surveillance photo of the bear at the emergency department reception desk, joking that it seemed to be checking in. With winter nearing, bears focus on gaining weight before hibernation, typically catching salmon or searching dumpsters and berry bushes. However, this bear seemed to find the real jackpot of treats.