Imagine waking up to a loud crash that shakes the whole house. That is what happened to one Kentucky family last week. They rushed to the kitchen and could not believe their eyes. A full-grown black bear was perched right on top of the stove, staring back at them.
Wildlife experts later pieced together how the animal got inside. The bear had climbed a ladder the homeowners had left against the side of the house. It squeezed through a small opening that led to the attic, then lost its footing and crashed straight through the ceiling. Sheetrock, insulation, and broken wood covered the kitchen floor.
The startled family kept a safe distance and quickly called Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. When officers arrived, they found the bear still sitting on the stove, confused but calm. Using gentle voices and slow movements, the officers opened a back door and guided the animal outside. The bear wandered back into a nearby wooded area without further incident.
No one in the family was injured, and the bear left unharmed, but the kitchen needs major repairs. The homeowners say they will think twice before leaving ladders out overnight and will seal any attic gaps right away. Wildlife officials remind everyone in bear country to secure ladders, garbage, and other potential attractions.