A black bear crashed a 15-year-old’s birthday celebration at Chipinque Park in Monterrey, Mexico, on Monday, leaving the partygoers in shock. The incident occurred as the group was enjoying a picnic at the park, with the birthday boy, Santiago, celebrating with friends and family.
The uninvited furry guest appeared seemingly out of nowhere, surprising the party attendees who were indulging in a spread of french fries, enchiladas, and tacos. Silvia Macías, Santiago’s mother, recounted the incident, mentioning that the bear approached them shortly after they had settled down for the meal.
In a video captured by Silvia’s friend Angela Chapa and later shared on TikTok, the bear can be seen casually helping itself to the feast on the picnic table. Silvia, aware of her son’s fear of animals, took quick action by covering Santiago’s eyes to shield him from the sight of the bear. The group remained still, treating the encounter like a game, in an effort to prevent any sudden movements that might startle the bear.
Despite Santiago’s initial fear, his mother’s quick thinking and protective instincts kicked in. The video, which has since gone viral with approximately 15.7 million views, shows the bear nonchalantly munching on the food while the partygoers watch helplessly.
To prevent any escalation, Angela Chapa decided to distract the bear by grabbing a nearby plate and tossing it away. The bear, enticed by the new food source, abandoned the picnic table to feast on the tossed plate, allowing the partygoers to breathe a sigh of relief.
Black bear encounters in the Monterrey metropolitan area have been increasing, according to Chipinque Park’s Spanish-language website. These bears, attracted to human garbage and food, have been spotted in various parks and neighborhoods. While such encounters can be alarming, Silvia Macías’s quick thinking and the unique “game” played to protect Santiago highlight the importance of staying calm and avoiding actions that could agitate wildlife in these situations.