Kendra North, a resident of Harlan County, Kentucky, told local reporters that a bear entered her mobile home on Wednesday night after the couple unintentionally left the front door open. The family, who do not have air conditioning in their living room or kitchen, went to bed unaware that the large animal had slipped inside.
According to North, the bear made its way to the glass table in the living area where she had left a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The animal consumed the entire meal and left the table damaged. North said she slept through the encounter, but her sister, who lives in a neighboring mobile home on the same property, was awakened by the bear’s presence.
Repeated sightings raise concerns
North estimates the first bear weighed between 600 and 700 pounds. Two days after the initial incident, she reported seeing another bear—likely a cub—on her porch while she was preparing dinner around 7 p.m. She estimated the younger animal’s weight at roughly 300 pounds.
“The bear issue is getting ridiculous,” North said. “I’m scared to death it’ll get in again.” The repeated sightings have left her feeling uneasy about the safety of her home.
Precautions moving forward
In response to the incidents, North said she is now making a concerted effort to keep the front door closed at night, despite the inconvenience of reduced airflow in the hot summer months. “I keep that front door shut good though at night now, and apparently 7 p.m. is bear time now too,” she added.
Local wildlife officials have not yet commented on the specific bears involved, but they typically advise residents in rural Kentucky to secure food sources and keep doors and windows closed to deter wildlife from entering homes. The incidents underscore the challenges faced by residents in areas where human habitation borders natural habitats.
North’s experience serves as a reminder for other homeowners in the region to remain vigilant, especially during warmer months when bears may be more active in search of food. While no injuries were reported, the situation highlights the importance of balancing comfort, such as the desire for open doors for ventilation, with safety measures that protect both people and wildlife.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
