PHOTOS: Black Bear Makes Off with Groceries in New Paltz

One Hudson Valley household got more than they bargained for earlier this month when a hulking predator decided to help themselves to their groceries.

As autumn fades into the colder months, many New York animals are making a last-ditch effort to pack on as many calories as possible before their long winter's nap. While their diets would normally consist of nuts or berries, this New Paltz, NY omnivore decided to go for something a little more exotic. The homeowners decided to have a little fun with the incident, too.

Groceries Stolen by "Mystery" Animal in New Paltz, NY

"This is getting ridiculous. Someone’s cat has now STOLEN our groceries that were left outside for fifteen minutes!!" began the tongue-in-cheek post in the New Paltz Community Facebook group. "If this is your cat I expect you to pay us back for the bag of lettuce he stole." The "cat" in question was actually a rather inquisitive black bear.

Bear Sightings in the Hudson Valley, NY

Bear sightings in the Hudson Valley have become so common that most commenters just decided to keep the "cat" joke going. "I don't understand why cat owners feel so entitled to let their pets outside when this is the obvious result", chided one local resident. "Was he microchipped?? If you put out food bowls do you think you could trap him?? It's too cold outside for him. Please bring him inside and keep him warm", offered another. Jokes aside, there are several ways to keep these cats- er, bears, at a safe distance.

Read More: Awesome Photo of Acrobat Black Bear Stealing Food in New York

Bear Safety in the Hudson Valley, NY

The most common-sense advice is to never leave any type of food source, from bird feeders to lettuce, within reach of a bear. This instance of grocery-napping shows that it doesn't take long, either, as the original post stated that the food had only been outside for several minutes before the incident.

Creative Bears in New York

It's not always easy pickings for bears, and throughout the Hudson Valley, photos have shown exactly how far they may go for a meal. Earlier this year, a bear was seen shimmying across an elevated rope line just to snack from a bird feeder (above). The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) recently stressed the importance of bear-proofing food sources whether in the wilderness or at home.

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"Bears will readily utilize human-created food sources and repeat access can make bears bolder", says the NYS DEC. Other tips to avoid bear contact include properly cleaning and storing outdoor cooking equipment like grills, and properly securing garbage cans. Check out the bear who tried to get their college degree in New Paltz, NY below.