A typical Sunday morning at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Exchange took an unexpected turn when a young bear wandered into the food court, sampling snacks and greeting surprised patrons before being gently shown the door by law enforcement.
The curious visitor entered the building about 8:45 a.m. July 5, slipping in through automatic doors. The bear inspected trash cans and made its way across the food court, hopping onto counters to investigate a bag of chips.
The furry guest’s tour continued into the barber shop before heading to the commissary for a peach.
While the bear seemed determined to see everything the Exchange had to offer, JBER associates were quick to act.
Exchange Popeyes Foreman Arcy Commer spotted the bear first and quickly alerted Food Court Manager Sho’Breon Lane, who called in security forces and Conservation Law Enforcement Officers.
“You hear plenty about Alaska’s wildlife when you arrive at JBER, but you don’t expect it to walk through the front doors,” Lane said. “After Arcy spotted the bear, we immediately notified the proper authorities and store managers. Luckily, it was early and the store wasn’t open yet, so there were only a few people around. It was a wild and unforgettable experience, and definitely a uniquely Alaska way to say, ‘Welcome to JBER.’”
Authorities responded swiftly and safely guided the bear outside. No injuries were reported, but the story is sure to be a highlight for everyone who witnessed the wild visit.
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