Bear Lucrezia the famous pantry thief resurfaces in Abruzzo
The brown bear Juan Carrito has been spotted again near the Roccaraso ski area in the Abruzzo region, once more drawn to the bakery by a familiar scent. This time the target was the traditional Christmas dessert panettone, a favorite among locals during the festive season. Reports of the incident circulated in national newspapers, including the Times, highlighting the recurring pattern of wildlife encounters in popular mountain resorts.
Witnesses described the scene as the animal emerging from the woods behind a nearby restaurant, likely guided by the aroma of panettone prepared in a local culinary school kitchen. Nico Romito, chef at the Castel di Sangro restaurant, offered his account, noting the bear appeared unusually relaxed, as if at home, and wandered through the area for about half an hour. His impression contrasted with the typical human-shy behavior of deer, which usually retreat at the sight of people. The bear’s calm exploration emphasized the growing challenge of coexistence between wildlife and year-round tourism in mountain communities.
Authorities and wildlife specialists have previously noted the risk of repeat incidents when bears become conditioned to human food sources. In the two prior occurrences involving cookie thefts, the animal was sedated and transported away from populated zones by helicopter. The approach aims to reduce immediate danger while also addressing long-term food-source avoidance strategies to discourage bears from seeking handouts near settlements.
Historical parallels exist beyond the Italian scene. A bear previously associated with the United States made headlines after an opportunistic act near a family car in North Carolina, where it stole popcorn inside a forested neighborhood. Additional accounts describe bears occasionally climbing into vehicles to seize chips, underscoring a broader pattern of wildlife individuals adapting to human-created opportunities across continents.
Experts emphasize that securing food and waste in tourist areas is a key step in preventing conflicts. Bear safety programs typically focus on the responsible disposal of trash, the careful storage of food, and the rapid removal of attractants from public spaces. Community outreach and education campaigns play a crucial role in helping residents and visitors understand bear behavior, recognize warning signs, and respond appropriately when a bear is spotted. When a bear enters urban or recreational zones, authorities may implement temporarily enhanced monitoring, restricted access to certain areas, and nonlethal deterrence methods to maintain safety for both animals and people. A balanced approach aims to protect the animals while preserving the vitality of ski towns that rely on year-round visitors.