A surprising — and sizable — visitor made an early morning stop at one of Hopewell Junction’s most beloved bakeries this week. Locals are buzzing after a large bear was spotted roaming the parking lot of Mario’s Brick Oven Bread, a popular hotspot known for its legendary loaves.
A Morning Surprise at Mario’s
The encounter happened around 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Jennifer Benante Sullivan, a high school teacher from Poughkeepsie, was heading back home after forgetting something when she spotted the bear. She posted about the sighting in the East Fishkill Community Forum on Facebook, writing:
“Just now at Mario’s in Hopewell! I was shaking he was so big!”
Sullivan recounted that she had just turned onto Route 376 when she noticed the bear wandering around the Mario’s parking lot. Curious — and a bit shocked — she pulled into the side driveway and sat in her car watching the animal roam. After a few minutes, the bear disappeared into the nearby brush line.
Her post quickly went viral in the local group, garnering over 600 reactions and nearly 200 comments, with residents chiming in to share their own experiences and concerns.
A Hudson Valley Tradition: Bear Sightings
Bear sightings are nothing new to longtime residents of the Hudson Valley. Wildlife encounters seem to be a seasonal rite of passage in the region. In 2019, a string of bear sightings occurred across Pine Plains, and “Monsey the Bear” became a local celebrity in Rockland County after drawing a crowd of curious onlookers.
In 2022, sightings forced schools in SUNY New Paltz and Monroe-Woodbury to cancel outdoor activities. The same year, a bear broke down a door in Dover Plains to enter a home — a stark reminder of how bold these animals can be.
And just last year, a bear was spotted high up in a tree in the City of Poughkeepsie, drawing attention from residents and state wildlife officials alike.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has regularly issued warnings about securing food, garbage, and grills — especially near campsites and suburban areas where bears may wander in search of easy meals.
Was the Bear Craving Fresh Bread?
Mario’s Brick Oven Bread isn’t just any bakery. Known across the region for its fresh-baked, artisan-style loaves, the spot has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for bread lovers. Lines often form early, and some customers have waited for hours just to grab a fresh loaf.
That made one Facebook commenter’s joke all the more fitting:
“He was probably just waiting for Mario’s to open — looking for a loaf like the rest of us!”
While humorous, the comment also highlights a real concern: bears have an excellent sense of smell and are often drawn to human food, especially when it’s as aromatic as freshly baked bread.
Safety Reminders for Residents
As bear activity continues in the Hudson Valley, officials remind locals to:
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Secure trash bins and remove bird feeders.
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Keep grills clean and store them properly.
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Avoid feeding wildlife, even unintentionally.
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Report bear sightings to the DEC if the animal poses a danger or returns repeatedly.
Though no one was harmed in this week’s encounter, the incident serves as a reminder that wildlife and humans continue to share space in the Hudson Valley — sometimes a little more closely than expected.
As for the bear? He wandered off without incident. But locals will likely be keeping a closer eye on the parking lot next time they stop in for bread.
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