Bear surprises shoppers by sampling baked goods at Colorado farmers' market

Shoppers and vendors at a farmers' market in Aspen, Colorado, got an unexpected surprise over the weekend when a bear wandered in and began sampling baked goods at one of the stalls.

Market-goers initially paid little attention to the unusual customer helping itself to fresh bread and pastries, until onlookers realized the enthusiastic shopper was in fact a bear.

An unusual visitor

Once people recognized what was happening, several reached for their phones to capture photos and video of the animal's visit, turning what might have otherwise been a routine Saturday at the market into a memorable scene.

Bear sightings are not uncommon in parts of Colorado, particularly in mountain towns like Aspen where wildlife frequently moves close to human activity, especially when food is readily accessible.

It was not reported whether the bear caused any damage to the stall or whether market organizers or wildlife officials took any specific action in response to the visit.

The encounter adds to a long list of human-wildlife interactions reported in Colorado's mountain communities, where bears are known to be drawn toward markets, restaurants and residential areas in search of food, particularly as they prepare for the winter months.