Bear Decides to Invade Telluride Film Festival Eatery

Some early birds for the 50th Telluride Film Festival got an unexpected surprise when a bear meandered into a popular restaurant.

While the Festival didn’t officially kick off until August 31st, several attendees decided to arrive on Wednesday. Around 11pm, a black bear wandered into the patio area at the South Oak Bistro. The restaurant was packed with industry professionals, filmmakers, producers, and journalists.

Fortunately, the bear didn’t cause any actual damage sans knocking over a table and some garbage cans. While it was shooed away by diners it seems the animal left of its own volition to wander off elsewhere. It’s assumed the bear was hungry and most likely in search of food.

More than likely, this was just a freak occurance since black bears are the only known species in Colorado. Not some kind of elaborate stunt to promote “Cocaine Bear 2” or “Cocaine Bear vs. Cocaine Shark.” Mostly because Elizabeth Banks hasn’t confirmed a “Cocaine Bear” sequel and I just made the second title up.

The Telluride Film Festival is held annually over Labor Day Weekend. This year’s line up includes world premieres of Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn,” Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” Annette Bening’s “Nyad,” and more. The event will run through Monday, September 4th.

You can check out a video of the black bear’s restaurant visit here.