Bear Sparks Panic During Early Morning Arizona Grocery Store Visit

A young black bear cub was filmed running through the aisles of a Fry’s grocery store in Oro Valley, Arizona, on the morning of Sept. 29, entering and leaving through the automatic doors and prompting employees to evacuate and shoppers to flee. Photographer Charlie Alolkoy captured the footage and said the frightened animal left empty-handed and had run toward the Santa Catalina Mountains by the time police and Arizona Game and Fish arrived. No injuries were reported, though witnesses described a chaotic scene and at least one upset customer. Officials say bear sightings are common in the Tucson/Oro Valley area and that reduced rainfall and searches for food and water are driving bears closer to populated areas; residents are advised not to approach bears, secure pets, and call 911 or Arizona Game and Fish if an animal does not leave. Video of the encounter was shared widely across local and national outlets, highlighting increasing interactions between wildlife and suburban communities.