Non-paying Patrons Busted At Restaurant

Recently, Mom and Ken had a trio of non-paying patrons visit the restaurant.  This isn't the first time these "patrons" showed up, and it probably will not be the last.  They have a way of sneaking around in the middle of the night, playing havoc, and disappearing before getting caught in their antics.  However, this time was a little different for the trio.  They got "caught", only to make a speedy escape.  But, I am getting ahead of the story.

You see, there has been a history with these patrons.  About two years ago, on a Sunday morning, mom and Ken arrived at the restaurant only to find trash everywhere.  It was strewn helter skelter around the property.  Not a little here, or a little there, but it looked like the entire dumpster had been relieved of its contents.

Keep in mind, this restaurant is located in Carrabelle, Florida - a sleepy little fishing village.  Therefore, although Ken had a PLAN to remedy the problem by locking down the dumpster, the only hardware store in town was locked up tight.  So, he opted for Plan B.  After closing Sunday night, he ran home and returned with a radio and some spotlights.  Surely the noise and lights would keep the "critters" away.

Monday morning, they were greeted with another mess.  Trash detail, which no one enjoys, would have to be worked into the schedule again.  Unhappily, Ken made a second trip to the hardware store.  He purchased chains, eyebolts, and chain binders.  After closing the restaurant for the evening, he reverted to plan A and "locked down" the dumpster lids.  Confident he had finally outsmarted the critters, he went home feeling pretty smug.

Tuesdays the restaurant is closed, but mom and Ken often go by there briefly to do some "catching up".  They wanted to also check on the situation.  When they arrived, they found the dumpster lids partially caved in AND peeled back up.  Obviously, plan A was a bust too.  Ken made phone calls to Waste Management and had to argue with them to get the dumpster replaced.  All the while, he brainstormed possible remedies to the problem.

Finally, he settled on buying two sheets of 3/4 inch pressure treated plywood.  He also purchased more chain, eyebolts, and chain binders.  The plywood was cut to fit over each lid and all of this was chained down.  As extreme as it may sound, it worked.  The following day and for many that followed, there were no more nighttime escapades.

As time passed, the episodes stopped and Ken decided to quit tying down the dumpster.  This brings us to present day.  On the 23rd of this month, they arrived at the restaurant.  There was not a big mess, but the trash can on the front porch was tipped over and the liner was gone.

Around 11:45, a customer excitedly enters the restaurant and exclaims, "There’s bears in the pine tree out front!"  Mom and Ken go outside, and lo and behold, there is a mom and two cubs up the tree.  The missing trashcan liner was lying at the base of the tree.  Within a matter of minutes, the restaurant emptied out and the "paying" patrons gathered to see the bears for themselves.

Ken was impressed that so many customers had cameras with them, or in their vehicles.  People talked, cameras clicked, and the bears...well they lazed around in the tree.  They probably were wondering what all the fuss was about.

As time ticked away, what was first interesting and fun became a distraction.  A lot of people stopped to see the spectacle.  It was obvious some never saw such a sight.  Many had questions.  One little lady wanted to know how the bears got in the tree.  Ken had to really think before he answered that one.

Later in the day, someone pulled over on the side of the highway and yelled, "What time are they coming down?”  Another question that required a deep breath before answering.

There were even more comments, one in particular that was overheard was "They better do something about them bears. If someone gets hurt, the restaurant owner is gonna get sued." (Sigh)

A local police officer came to eat and Ken asked him to call the FWC.  As it turned out, the officer didn't need to make the call as Adam W (Bear Specialist from the FWC) was inside the restaurant. Sometime during all the fuss, he had decided to grab a bite to eat.

Adam informed Ken that he wasn't as concerned about a person being hurt as much as he was concerned about the bears getting hurt. According to Adam, the bears would stay in the tree until dark, unless they got hungry beforehand. However, humans are not in the Black Bears food chain.  His main concern was them coming down and running across the highway, which in turn could cause injury for the bear and vehicle occupants.  Needless to say, Adam stuck around until dark.

Around dusk, several officers arrived.  They were from the Carrabelle City Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff Department, and FWC.  They put "Bear Crossing" signs on the roadside hoping to slow traffic.  They dispersed the crowd, which caused some grumbling.  Ken was instructed to turn off all the outside lights.

One by one, the bears began to descend the tree.  As soon as they hit the ground they were off running.  They did, indeed, cross the main highway and escaped into the surrounding woods. Paying patrons or not, it was an experience to see these three bears.  Needless to say, the dumpsters are now being locked.  All's well that ends well.

Side note:  Mom & Ken, thanks for sharing your exciting story with me.  Special thanks to Ken L. and Candie B. for providing & giving me permission to use your photos.

Additional info:  Excerpt from "Spirits of the Earth ~ A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, & Ceremonies":

The Bear is always a good sign and a special power.  He represents wisdom, insight, introspection, protection, and healing.