ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (KVOA) – Arizona Game and Fish is currently tracking several bears in the Tucson area, including one that ventured into a Fry’s grocery store in Oro Valley on Monday morning.
The bear, a cub, was seen darting past the registers and heading toward the produce section. Charlie Alolkoy, a wildlife photographer, captured video of the bear. Alolkoy said, “The produce department has honey cones you can buy – and he just walked past it.”
Alolkoy, who has been photographing wildlife for decades, was surprised by the encounter. “Low and behold I get the biggest wildlife I’ve seen up to this point,” said Alolkoy. He mentioned that while bear sightings aren’t terribly unusual, occurring about once a year, seeing one in a store is rare.
This incident follows another bear sighting just days earlier near Rancho Vistoso and Woodburn. Mark Freiberg with Arizona Game and Fish said it could be the same bear. “It is a little abnormal for this time of year,” Freiberg said.
Freiberg explained that the drier than normal weather might be contributing to these back-to-back sightings. “What that typically equates to is less food resources on the ground for wildlife and bears specifically,” said Freiberg.
Reflecting on the experience, Alolkoy said, “A bear has always been on my list wanting to see it – I would I would have gotten better photos.”
Arizona Game and Fish emphasizes that these close encounters with bears serve as a reminder not to leave food out for wildlife. They caution against allowing animals like bears to associate food with humans.
If you see a bear, Arizona Game and Fish has a 24-hour number available. That number is 623-236-7201. You can find more information here.