Just after midnight on June 3, 2025, peace was shattered at a senior living facility near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when a black bear crashed through a first-floor window and entered a residential area of the building. Startled residents, many in their 80s and 90s, were awoken by the sound of breaking glass and panicked shouts.
The young bear, estimated at around 68 kg (150 lbs), appeared just as surprised as the humans. It prowled down a hallway, sniffing at furniture and poking its nose into common areas. But the real drama came when a nurse on duty, Charlene Elliot, came face-to-face with it.
“I didn’t even think. I just grabbed a walker and started yelling,” she said. “My worst fear was that it was going to get into a resident’s room.”
Her brave and quick thinking likely prevented something much worse. She and other staff members worked fast to secure residents in their rooms and keep the bear from wandering deeper into the facility.
Luring a Bear with Dessert
Once the immediate danger was contained, staff scrambled for a solution. Wildlife officers were on the way, but the bear was restless—and clearly hungry. One quick-thinking staffer grabbed a few Rice Krispies Treats from the kitchen and tossed them out the same window the bear had come through.
It worked.
Drawn by the sweet smell, the bear turned, hopped back through the broken frame, and ambled off into the night. Wildlife officers arrived soon after and later captured and relocated the bear safely.
The bear wasn’t aggressive, just curious and food-motivated, which isn’t unusual for young males roaming in spring and early summer. Officials believe food scents from bird feeders or trash bins near the building attracted it.
How to Keep Bears Where They Belong
Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 18,000 black bears, and while most avoid people, food sources around homes and buildings can change that. Assisted living facilities and suburban homes alike can attract bears if precautions aren’t taken.
Wildlife experts recommend:
- Removing bird feeders, especially in bear-prone areas
- Securing all garbage indoors
- Keeping windows and doors locked at night
- Avoid feeding pets outside, as even kibble can draw wildlife
Following the incident, the nursing home promptly removed all outdoor food sources and reinforced windows in lower-level common areas.
A Close Call With a Happy Ending
Fortunately, no one was hurt during the unexpected visit. The only real casualties were a broken window, a few rattled nerves, and maybe a dent in the snack supply.
Charlene Elliot, hailed as a hero by residents and coworkers, shrugged off the praise. “I didn’t have time to be scared. I just knew they depended on me. And apparently, so did the bear—on our snacks.”
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