In the secluded wilderness of Alaska, where the rugged terrains and awe-inspiring vistas often take center stage, an unforeseen and charming story unfolded at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Amidst the serenity of the morning, a routine delivery stop at a convenience store transformed into an unexpected encounter between two bears and a Krispy Kreme doughnut van.
Imagine this: the delivery driver, following their customary routine, left the van doors slightly open during the stop. Little did they anticipate that this habitual act would invite a sow and her inquisitive cub to casually stroll in and explore the treasure trove of delicious doughnut delights awaiting them. Seizing the opportunity, the bears nonchalantly entered and reveled in a buffet of doughnut holes and pastries, blissfully ignorant of the disruption they were causing to the usual proceedings.
Meanwhile, Shelly Deano, the astonished store manager at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson JMM Express, tried to shoo away the unexpected guests.
Armed with determination and a touch of alarm, she resorted to banging on the van, hoping to discourage the bears from their impromptu feast. However, the bears remained unperturbed by the commotion, savoring their newfound sugary haven with unparalleled gusto.
Despite valiant attempts to dissuade them, the bears remained unfazed, continuing their gourmet escapade. Their persistence led to an unprecedented 20-minute standoff, with packages being opened and treats devoured within the confines of the van.
Shelly Deano recounted the surreal experience, expressing her disbelief, saying, “I was beating on the van, and they’re not moving. I could hear them breaking open the packages and everything. I was like, ‘They don’t even care.'”
Only when the base security intervened, using blaring sirens to startle the bears, did the unexpected brunch party come to an end. The bears, perhaps reluctantly, bid farewell to their doughnut haven and briefly explored the surroundings of the convenience store before disappearing into the woods, leaving behind a sense of wonder and amusement.
Reflecting on this extraordinary incident, Deano emphasized the need for caution, especially in such wildlife-rich environments. The delivery driver now takes extra precautions, ensuring that the van doors are securely shut during stops, and the team exercises vigilance during tasks like garbage disposal, always opting for a buddy system, particularly in the dimly lit hours.
Captain Lexi Smith, a spokesperson at the base, acknowledged the peculiar occurrence, urging the public to exercise caution to prevent wildlife from being drawn to human food sources—a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures.
While the incident stands as a testament to the bears’ sweet tooth and their tenacity in pursuing their gustatory desires, it also serves as a gentle wake-up call, prompting a reconsideration of protocols in areas prone to such enchanting yet unexpected wildlife encounters. The tale of the bears’ rendezvous with the doughnut van at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson might inspire innovative strategies for bear-proofing such mobile pastry havens in the future!