THE DAILY WIRE · PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA, USA · 2026-09-02
Bear's Trash Can Heist Draws Harsh Reviews From Local Professionals
A bear in Panama City Beach was caught on camera attempting to make off with a trash can, an operation that, based on available footage, showed more ambition than technique.
According to reports, the bear approached the can directly and attempted to relocate it, presumably in pursuit of whatever culinary treasures lay within. It is unclear from available footage whether the mission succeeded.
Florida's Panhandle has seen a steady uptick in bear activity as animals wander into residential areas in search of easy meals, and a trash can, to a bear, represents about as easy a meal as exists. Webster notes this is less a crime spree than an occupational hazard of coastal development.
For expert commentary on proper trash can technique, Webster reached out to Cletus, professional raccoon, who has built an entire career around exactly this kind of operation and did not hold back his critique.
Whether the bear returns for a second attempt remains to be seen. Webster suspects it will, if only because the can, per raccoon testimony, was never actually secured to begin with.
“I watched the whole thing from the storm drain and I gotta say, embarrassing. No finesse, no distraction technique, just brute force and hope. Us professionals tip the can quiet-like, at 3 a.m., and we're gone before the porch light even flickers.” — Cletus, professional raccoon
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