If you went to the Colorado Renaissance Festival last weekend, you would have seen more than medieval knights and fairies. On Sunday, July 7, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office was called into the festival to remove the unwanted guest: an 80-pound black bear.

The bear, who was named Smoky, was curled up underneath one of the buildings.

"Ironically, it was under a building that sold honeycombs," said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Once guests were moved from the area, the sheriff's office teamed up with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers to remove the bear. According to officers, Smoky the bear was not disturbed in the slightest.

The Colorado Renaissance Festival runs until August 4, with different themes each weekend.

Call your local CPW office or submit a form online if you see a black bear near your home.

Kristina Shriver
Director of Our Community Now. When not writing or reading, Kristina likes to dance like no one is watching and enjoys speaking in vague movie references/quotes, which only a select few in her circle truly understand. A huge nerd, she loves attending comic book conventions (in costume, of course!) and engaging in geek-fueled conversations with anyone who is willing to listen to her ramble. She also dedicates her spare time to supporting various mental health organizations.
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