Black Bears Break Into Aspen Gym, Steal Protein Shakes in Viral Video
ASPEN, COLORADO — A pair of hungry black bears turned a quiet Colorado gym into their personal playground earlier this month, ransacking the facility, raiding the fridge for protein shakes and supplements, and even taking a dip in the cold plunge.
Surveillance video released by Ajax Fitness shows the furry intruders exploring the luxury gym in downtown Aspen around 4:30 a.m. on October 9. The late-night visit caused roughly $400 in damage, according to Storyful.
“These furry animals didn’t bother getting a gym membership,” joked owner David Mills, who discovered the break-in the following morning.
Caught on Camera: Bears on a Midnight Snack Hunt
The video shows the bears sniffing through gym equipment, climbing over countertops, and sampling everything from coffee to protein shakes. At one point, one of the bears climbs into the cold plunge for a quick soak before heading back to rummage through the snack area.
“For nearly two hours, the pair roamed the gym like VIP guests on an after-hours tour,” Mills told Storyful.
When the bears tried to return the next night, Mills was ready — he installed an electric mat near the door to keep them out, which successfully deterred them.
Video Source: USAToday.com
Bears in ‘Feeding Frenzy’ Before Winter Hibernation
Officials with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) explained that the incident occurred during hyperphagia, a seasonal feeding phase when bears spend up to 20 hours a day eating to gain the fat reserves needed for hibernation.
“Bears can consume around 20,000 calories per day this time of year,” CPW said in a statement. “They’ll work hard to get what they need, and once they find food in populated areas, they remember and return.”
The agency noted that bears’ intelligence and powerful sense of smell make them particularly adept at breaking into homes, vehicles, and businesses — and once they associate a location with food, it becomes a recurring target.
A Reminder for Residents to Secure Properties
Wildlife officials are urging Aspen residents and other mountain-town businesses to take precautions to avoid similar incidents. Recommendations include securing trash bins, locking doors overnight, and removing food sources from accessible areas.
“Bears are opportunistic,” CPW added. “If they find food near homes, campgrounds, or gyms — they’ll keep coming back.”
As for Ajax Fitness, Mills says the bears’ uninvited visit has become a local legend. “They were polite guests, all things considered,” he joked. “But I’m glad the electric mat is working — I don’t need them signing up for another membership.”
Have you seen wildlife encounters in your area? Share your experiences in the comments and follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for more U.S. wildlife and community news.
