On Aug. 10 at 10:45 p.m., a docile black bear was captured on film after entering Sant Ambroeus Aspen and climbing onto tables.
According to the restaurant, the bear entered through one of the side entrance doors into the main dining room and was in the restaurant for a total of just three minutes. No staff were injured and no guests were inside the restaurant at the time.
“Police were called but, by the time they arrived, a brave employee had shepherded the bear back out the way it came,” a spokesperson for the restaurant told The Aspen Times.
City of Aspen Wildlife Coordinator Lara Xaiz added that there has been a large increase in bear activity this summer due to the drought in the area.
“It’s pushing all of them into town,” Xaiz said. “I’m seeing bears out during the day all day and walking into houses where people have left their doors open.”
Community members and visitors should make sure to secure all trash in bear-proof bins and lock car and home doors at night. To report a bear, call 970-920-BEAR.