Peace
When night fell and the automatic doors locked at a Bass Pro Shops location in the Pacific Northwest, employees expected a routine morning. Instead, they walked into one of the strangest crime scenes imaginable, a 300-pound black bear, belly full, snoring peacefully in the waterfowl aisle.
Security footage told the story. Hours earlier, the bear had pried open a side door and wandered inside with zero hesitation. He ignored camping gear and clothing racks and headed straight for the live fish tanks. Trout, bass, bluegill, almost everything swimming became an all-you-can-eat midnight buffet. Water sloshed everywhere. Displays were destroyed. The bear ate like he had found paradise.
Once satisfied, the intruder explored the aisles, passed rows of fishing lures and camouflage jackets, and finally curled up on a pile of duck decoys. Plastic birds became pillows. The store became a den. He slept so soundly that employees could hear him snoring when they arrived the next morning.
Wildlife officials were called and safely guided the drowsy guest back into nearby forest. No one was hurt. The fish, unfortunately, did not survive the encounter.
Black bears are famously curious and have enormous appetites, especially when preparing for colder months. They follow food, not rules. This one simply discovered a place where the fish were fresh, the lighting was soft, and the bedding was unexpectedly comfortable.
The internet crowned him instantly. Bass Pro’s new mascot. Ultimate loyalty member. Proof that nature does not recognize store hours.
It was not vandalism.
It was opportunity.
And nature took it.
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