The mysterious disappearance of a taxidermy giant bear
The unusual robbery was reported by Alberta police.
In an unusual robbery, a 500-pound (more than 226 kg) stuffed giant polar bear was stolen from a resort near Edmonton. Harry (the bear's name) stood on a high platform on the second floor of the historic hotel, and you had to look up to see him in all his glory. His enormous height — 3-3.5 meters — and yellowed fur made the bear a real magnet for visitors.
The Heist of the Big Polar Bear
For many years his presence seemed to be something eternal, but one day he disappeared without a trace. Despite the bear's gigantic size, it took several days before Harry's absence was noticed. The Alberta police had already dubbed the incident the "The Heist of the Big Polar Bear".
Wanda Rowe, director of the Lionsheart Wholeness Centre, said the theft was well-planned because the hotel is under 24-hour security and Harry himself weighs a lot — so his abduction required effort.
Rowe suspects the theft took place on January 13, when a sharp cold snap left the building empty and interrupted patrols. She describes that the thieves cut the cables restraining the stuffed animal and left footprints at the scene: the bear was clearly dragged across the floor.
Harry was taken through the balcony, down the stairs and out the main doors, where a truck was probably waiting for the robbers. Traffic was minimal that night, making it easy for the thieves. The estimated value of the stuffed bear and previously stolen raccoons was CA$ 35,000.
Response to theft
Harry wasn't just an exhibit, he managed to become a symbol of the hotel. He used to decorate the restaurant and bar named in his honor, where Johnny Cash even performed. Police are hoping the bear may turn up for sale online or be spotted around the neighborhood, as such a huge stuffed animal is hard to overlook.
Rowe emphasizes the emotional connection to Harry and the sense of loss caused by his disappearance. Despite the presence of other stuffed animals in the collection, including a bison and a cougar, the bear was special, and its absence is felt especially painfully.
