By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 28, 2025)
KINGS BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A black bear with a sweet tooth made an unexpected visit to a Kings Beach ice cream shop, absconding with a three-gallon tub of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
The bear, known locally as “Cinnamon,” entered Tahoe Time Ice Cream & Coffee Shoppe on Sunday afternoon while employees were on a lunch break. Surveillance footage captured the bear navigating through the store before making off with the sizable dessert container.
Owner Beth Moxley shared the incident on the shop’s Facebook page, stating,
“We had a visitor at Tahoe Time Ice Cream & Coffee Shoppe. The damage could have been a lot worse. We all must be bear aware at all times.”
While the episode may seem humorous, wildlife experts emphasize the serious implications of such encounters. When bears become accustomed to human food sources, they can lose their natural fear of people, leading to more frequent and potentially dangerous interactions.
To mitigate such risks, residents and visitors in bear-prone areas are advised to:
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Use bear-resistant garbage cans and store trash securely.
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Keep doors and windows closed and locked when not at home.
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Avoid leaving pet food, coolers, or other attractants outside.
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Clean and store barbecue grills when not in use.
