The Mystery of Yakima’s Missing Black Bear Statue

Yakima has a few icons that everyone remembers. The SunDome, the historic Larson Building, the Capitol Theatre, and even Miner’s Drive Thru! But who’d think that a statue would be one of them? And who’d think there would be worry when that statue disappeared?

The Black Bear On Fair Avenue.

The Iconic Black Bear statue that sits on the corner of Fair Avenue and Nob Hill Blvd (for over a decade, see below picture from 2012) has been a staple to commuters in the downtown area for quite a while, so much so that when it disappeared, someone noticed and took to social media for clues.

In the Facebook group “WTF Is Happening in Yakima? (Uncensored)” user Frank Moreno asked the important question:

“What happened to the big black bear that was on the corner of Nob Hill and Fair Ave?”

The replies he got were hysterical, heartbreaking (considering what’s happening in the greater Washington state and the rest of the U.S.), sarcastic, and helpful!

Other users asked what happened to other Yakima icons of the past (the Chief and the tic-tac-toe playing chicken from the Country Store, Horse Rides in front of Wrays, to name a few).

Several people chimmed in how he’s Hibernating, others suggested that the bear is hanging with Sasquatch or the Cookie Monster!

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Others poked fun, commenting how the bear was captured by ICE and is being deported.

What Happened To The Bear?

Dan Hoxie commented on the fate of the bear:

“Car lot moved it, their FB had a video of them moving it with a forklift, it’s out of the way for safety while the road is worked on. Said it will return when the work is done.”

I looked through the Own A Car Yakima’s socials and website (the business where the bear has been residing), and could not find the video, but I was able to spot it while driving by (and luckily, the wife took some pics).

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Fingers crossed they'll put the bear back soon, otherwise, everyone who relies on directions that include “Turn left at the bear” might miss the next show at the SunDome.

Take a look back in time at the corner the bear has stood on for over a decade!

READ MORE: Is This The Most Annoying Traffic Light In Yakima?