Estes Park is know for ample wildlife and close encounters of the elk kind but yesterday the owner of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory learned a different species in Estes has a sweet tooth for chocolate… a very polite black bear.
Upon opening the shop Wednesday morning the owner Jo Adams saw a little dirt on her counter and a few empty wrappers on the ground. Her first thought was that a ground squirrel or chipmunk had managed to sneak in during the day and had helped himself to some chocolatey treats. She and her son decided to check out their surveillance video and boy were they surprised when a couple hundred pound black bear turned out to be their chocolate nabber.
Polite Black Bear visits Chocolate Factory
Everyone in the Hundred Acre Wood knows that bears, especially Pooh love honey but chocolate? Shop owner reported that the bears favorite treats were the chocolate covered rice crispy treats, peanut butter cups, balls of joy, english toffee, giant chocolate covered cookies called “Cookie Bears.”
The bear got in because of the door latch that wasn’t fastening properly. The bear came in 7 times each time choosing a few of his favorite treats, walks outside to eat on the sidewalk.. (so as not to make a big mess). You can see in the video below how polite and careful he is not to disturb anything. He hopped over the counter and walked along a back display case never once disturbing a thing. You can even see him hold the door open with his food and then wandering in.
After two hours of clean up, disenfecting and throwing away all the candy that the bear could have possibly touched, they were open for business.
Store owner Joe Adams wants everyone to know that she doesn’t want any action taken on the bear. He is not a problem bear she says:
He was just doing what bears do… eat!
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has been enjoying extra sales ever since with people coming into the shop and wanting to purchase the same treats the bear enjoyed on his B&E (breaking and entering) crime spree.
Hungry yet Gentle Black Bear breaks into chocolate shop in Estes Park Colorado
Locals love an appreciate our abundant nature and wildlife and do their best to co-exist peacefully with it. If you are moving to Colorado or visiting for a vacation please take the time to read about Bear encounters, what to do if you happen upon a bear and how to avoid attracting bears to your home, office or campsites.
In 2010 a $7500 reward was offered to apprehend the killer of Samson, the beloved bull elk who was with an arrow. Estes Park locals and visitors had for years enjoyed seeing him wandering along the main street and in that Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory parking lot walking through the drive through of Taco Bell and McDonalds. They are the one of the many reasons people move to the high country in Colorado. That may even be a picture of him on the Estes Park Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory website.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 517 Big Thompson AveBox 3544
Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-6601
Have you ever dealt with one of these amazing creatures in Colorado? Please share your story below in the comments.
