Bear Cub Dines And Dashes From Colorado Middle School Cafeteria

Sometimes those early Monday mornings at school can be a real bear for kids. Also sometimes, they can be a real bear for - well - hungry bears.

Such was the case Monday morning at Aspen Middle School, where a young bear somehow managed to get into the school in the overnight or early morning hours and ended up finding his way to - where else? - the school's cafeteria. Who can resist the smell of french bread pizza and soggy french fries?

Ultimately he was captured by Colorado Parks & Wildlife with an assist from the Aspen Police Department, and relocated to a more appropriate place outside where, presumably, he reunited with Boo Boo and resumed eating from a pic-uh-nic basket.

While we don't quite have the same risk of bears wandering into our schools within most of our Northern Colorado cities, it does serve as a reminder that our state is rife with wildlife and they don't always mix with the places we've built in their former home.

Especially this time of year, as bears in particular are fueling up with 20,000+ calories a day to prep for their long winter's nap, Colorado Parks & Wildlife offers these reminders for how to bear-proof your home and stay safe out in nature.

• Secure all garbage around your home. Bears like garbage. Don't leave any for them to find.
• Don't leave bird feeders out around your property. Bears like bird seedf!
• Regular clean your trash cans. Even empty cans still put out that smell.
• Never walk trails this time of year that go through berry patches or other natural food sources.
• Never approach a bear or offer it any food.
• If you do encounter a bear, act natural, talk normal and don't make any sudden movements. If it approaches you, wave your arms slowly overhead and talk calmly. Step off the trail to the downhill side, keep looking at the bear and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight.
• Always leash your pets out in nature and always go outside with them at night.