Authorities seek cake-stealing bear

MACCLENNY, Fla., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Florida wildlife authorities said they were on the hunt for a black bear accused of breaking into a home and stealing a birthday cake.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the bear broke into a Macclenny home at 2 a.m. Monday and made off with food items including the cake, The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union reported Wednesday.

Commission spokeswoman Karen Parker said a biologist dispatched to the scene Tuesday found a well-used trail behind the home strewn with garbage and the remains of the cake.

Parker said wildlife officials, who are familiar with the bear from a research project it was involved with, are baiting traps with cupcakes in an attempt to capture and euthanize the animal.

"Relocating this bear is not an option," Parker said. "Public safety is our No. 1 concern. When we catch it, we will euthanize it. We do not want the bear entering another house."