Bear Helps Itself to Cupcakes After Surprise Appearance at Children's Party

Guests at a children's birthday party in Connecticut were shocked when an unexpected guest—a large black bear—crashed the party and went straight for the cupcakes.

Footage of the close encounter was captured by guests at the party that Laura Majidian threw for her 2-year-old son on Sunday in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Black Bears in America

The video is a reminder that black bears reside in heavily forested areas across the United States, with more than 8,600 reported bear sightings in Connecticut in 2021 alone, according to the state.

While bears are normally wary of humans, food-motivated bears can lose their fear of people and often search for food where people have disposed of it, including in trash cans left outside.

To avoid nuisance bears, experts recommend purchasing a bear-resistant trash can or moving bins inside. They also recommend thoroughly cleaning outdoor grills after use and keeping bird feeders away from the house.

'A Big Bear'

"Oh my god," a woman can be heard in the background as the bear eats food off the outdoor table. "That's a big bear."

Another person in the background can be heard saying to make sure everybody goes in the house while the bear licks icing off the cupcakes.

"Bear crashing Cyrus's second birthday," a man said.

The bear then puts the whole cupcake in his mouth as adults gasp in awe before the bear moves and the video cuts. You can view the video here.

Local outlets reported that the bear emerged from the woods as the children were dancing outside. She recalled grabbing "armfuls of children" out of the way but told WTNH that the bear was not aggressive—just curious about the cupcakes.

Safety Tips

Although there are an estimated 300,000 black bears living in the United States, attacks are "extremely rare," according to the National Park Services (NPS).

Attacks generally occur when a foraging bear is frightened or a human is between a mother and her cubs. The NPS recommends that if you come in contact with a black bear follow this advice:

• Remain calm
• Utilize rocks, tree branches, or bear spray
• Stand tall and stretch out your arms and legs to appear larger
• Make as much noise as possible
• If necessary, fight back
• DO NOT play dead
• Direct punches and kicks to the animal's face

"Remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him," they said. Keep in mind that these recommendations are for black bear attacks and not grizzly or brown bears.

According to the Forest Service, black bears are known for their excellent climbing skills which allow them to quickly scurry up trees.

Other Bear Encounters

In July, a South Carolina woman got a visit from a black bear at her front door at 3:30 a.m. Another bear shocked residents in a California neighborhood when it was discovered playing soccer on a person's front lawn.

In the same month, in Canada, a terrified woman recorded the moment a black bear approached her at a bus stop.