A black bear wandered through a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson hospital early Monday and stopped after finding a bucket of donated Halloween candy, according to WITN Greenville. I opened the WITN report, which says the bear entered the facility in Anchorage, Alaska, and helped itself to the treats before being escorted out by wildlife officials. No injuries were reported, and the hospital resumed normal operations shortly afterward.
What happened at the hospital
The bear walked in through an open entrance during the early morning hours, when foot traffic was light. Hospital staff spotted the animal near a lobby area where the candy bucket had been placed for an upcoming Halloween event. The bear reportedly lingered at the bucket for a few minutes, eating some of the candy, before responders from the base’s wildlife team arrived and guided it back outside.
This is not the first time bears have shown up in unexpected places in Alaska this fall. As bears fatten up for winter hibernation, they are more likely to take risks near human buildings, especially where food odors are present. The Joint Base incident aligns with that seasonal pattern, which typically peaks from late September through November across the state.
What this means for homeowners
For residents in Alaska and other northern states, this is a reminder that bears are actively foraging right now, and a single bucket of candy on a porch or near an open door can draw one in. If you live in bear country, keep doors closed or install self-closing screens, and never leave food, including Halloween candy, accessible from outside. If a bear does enter a building, you should not approach it; instead, move to a safe room and call local wildlife authorities or the state’s Department of Fish and Game.
The hospital confirmed the bear was relocated without harm, and base officials reminded personnel to secure food items and keep exterior doors latched. The full account was published by WITN Greenville, which verified the details with base public affairs.
