Bear Cub Disrupts Aspen Middle School Classes

A black bear cub entered Aspen Middle School's cafeteria early Monday morning, prompting a coordinated response from the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office, Aspen Police Department, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to remove it. Students were temporarily relocated to other buildings on campus and resumed normal activities by 9:30 a.m. The incident became a learning opportunity for students, who analyzed the bear's size using security footage and cafeteria objects. Authorities reminded the community to secure doors and windows, as bears are in hyperphagia, preparing for hibernation by consuming large amounts of food. The cub was eventually relocated without incident, and no mother bear was found nearby.