Bizarre Heist: 500lb Taxidermy Polar Bear stolen from Canadian Resort

Canadian authorities are investigating a peculiar theft involving a massive 500lb (225kg) taxidermy polar bear, standing at 12ft (3.6m), stolen from a resort near Edmonton. The bear is believed to have been taken during the recent cold snap in early January when temperatures dropped to around -30C (-22F).

The theft was reported on January 22 by Lily Lake Resort operators, and the public is urged to be on the lookout for the giant stuffed bear. This follows a similar incident last August when two taxidermy raccoons were stolen from the same resort. The total value of the stolen animals is approximately C$35,000 (£21,000; $26,000). Authorities are uncertain if the cases are linked.

Resort worker Wanda Rowe described the heist as a well-planned operation, as the thieves cut the cables securing the bear, likely dragging it outside to a waiting vehicle. Although the resort normally has 24-hour security patrols, they were canceled that night due to the extreme cold. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) emphasized the uniqueness of the crime, dubbing it "The Heist of the Big Polar Bear." Residents are advised to be vigilant, especially in case the thieves attempt to sell the stolen bear online.

Hunting polar bears is legal in Canada's northern territories but is strictly regulated by environmental officials. The country is estimated to host around 16,000 polar bears, constituting about two-thirds of the global population of the species.