Enormous Taxidermy Polar Bear Goes Missing in Strange Canadian Theft

Canadian police are currently investigating the unusual theft of a 500lb (225kg) taxidermy polar bear from a resort near Edmonton. The enormous bear, standing at 12ft (3.6m) tall, was believed to have been stolen during the freezing temperatures of early January, when temperatures dropped to around -30C (-22F). The Lily Lake Resort reported the theft on 22 January, and the public has been asked to be on the lookout for the stolen bear. The resort, located in Sturgeon County, approximately 30 miles (50km) north of Edmonton, had experienced a similar incident last August, where two taxidermy raccoons were stolen during a break-in. The total value of the three stolen taxidermy animals is estimated to be around C$35,000 (£21,000; $26,000), according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Authorities are unsure if the cases are connected. It was revealed that the resort has 24-hour security patrols, which were canceled on the night of the theft due to the extreme cold. It appears that the thieves cut the cables securing the bear and dragged it outside, presumably with a waiting vehicle. Wanda Rowe, a resort worker, stated that the theft was undoubtedly planned. Law enforcement officers have dubbed the incident "The Heist of the Big Polar Bear" and have advised residents to be vigilant in case the thieves attempt to sell it online. While hunting polar bears is legal in Canada's northern territories, it is strictly regulated by environmental officials. The country is estimated to be home to around 16,000 polar bears, which constitutes roughly two-thirds of the global population of the species.