Watch: Bear steals bag of gear from Colorado fire station
Security video from the Colorado Springs Fire Department shows a bear walking into Station 16, grabbing a bag of firefighting gear, and leaving with it—footage shared as a watch bear steals bag moment that also came with wildlife safety advice.
The department posted the clip to social media after the thieving bruin paid a recent visit to the bay at Station 16. In a lighthearted caption, firefighters wrote that "Smokey the Bear (or who we assume is Smokey) walked into the bay at Station 16, grabbed our gear bag, peaced out real quick, and said 'thanks, I'll take it from here.'"
Key Takeaways
- Colorado Springs Fire Department released security camera video of a bear entering Station 16.
- The bear grabbed a bag of firefighting gear and left the bay quickly.
- It is not clear whether crews recovered the stolen gear bag.
- The department shared Colorado Parks and Wildlife tips to reduce bear confrontations as animals bulk up for winter.
What did the bear take from the Colorado fire station?
According to UPI, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said the bear walked into the bay at Station 16 and took a bag of firefighting gear. The agency shared the security camera footage on social media so the public could see the visit unfold.
The clip fits the kind of viral wildlife moment often collected under Bizarre News & Florida Man, where an unexpected animal encounter becomes the story of the day without losing the facts behind the humor.
Was the stolen gear bag recovered?
UPI reported that it was not clear whether firefighters were able to retrieve the gear bag after the bear left. The department's public post focused on the video and the tongue-in-cheek "Smokey" line rather than confirming a recovery.
That open question is part of why the footage drew attention: viewers can see the bag leave with the bear, but not what happened next.
How can people reduce bear confrontations?
Along with the video, the department shared tips from Colorado Parks and Wildlife about reducing bear confrontations as bears begin to bulk up for winter. Advice included taking down bird feeders, keeping pets indoors, and keeping food and trash secured.
The post also said that if you encounter a bear, make loud noises to scare them off and make any encounter with humans uncomfortable for them. Depending on human food sources is unsafe and puts bears and people at risk, the department noted.
By pairing the Station 16 footage with those tips, the department linked a viral theft clip to a practical reminder: unsecured attractants can draw bears into places people work and live.