Black bear crashes through attic, falls onto kitchen stove: See pictures
A black bear was found sitting on the stove of kitchen after crashing through the ceiling of a home in Kentucky.
In a post on Facebook, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement said authorities responded to a call for a black bear at a residence in Bell County around 5 a.m. on May 21.
Officers arrived at the scene to find the bear sitting on the stove in the kitchen.
Bear fell through ceiling from attic
"After taking a look around, it was determined that the bear had climbed up a ladder outside and squeezed through an opening into the attic," the post said. "The bear then fell through the ceiling into the residence below."
The bear was eventually chased out through an open door by responding officers, the post said.
Citing the department's bear biologist, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources told Paste BN wildlife staff monitored the area for a few days but did not see the bear again near the house or in the area.
It is not immediately known if there were any injuries or substantial damages.
How to keep bears from entering your home
Kentucky is home to a resurging black bear population "that is experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range," according to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. While black bears are typically solitary and shy animals, they can be a nuisance to humans and can cause human-bear conflicts.
As a result, wildlife agencies are advising all residents to be more "BearWise" and take "reasonable corrective measures" to avoid encounters, including:
- Never feed bears. In Kentucky, it is a crime to directly or indirectly feed bears. Punishment can entail a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail, and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges for up to 3 years.
- Do not approach bears. If you encounter a bear in your own yard, do not leave the house. Ensure everyone is secure inside before banging pots or making other loud noises to scare the bear away.
- Secure food, garbage, and recycling.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills, smokers.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity.
- Be extra cautious if you see cubs. Mother bears are very protective of their young. Do not approach, touch or interact with cubs.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.