Diner reports popular ‘Peekin’ Bear’ still missing

Employees with Sequim’s Black Bear Diner say the restaurant’s popular Peekin’ Bear wood carving was stolen

By Matthew Nash • March 16, 2016 11:39 am
The “Peekin’ Bear” seen outside the window at Sequim’s Black Bear Diner is gone as of March 7. Employees report someone stole the bear after the business closed on March 6.
The “Peekin’ Bear” seen outside the window at Sequim’s Black Bear Diner is gone as of March 7. Employees report someone stole the bear after the business closed on March 6.

 

 

Employees with Sequim’s Black Bear Diner, 1471 E. Washington St., say the restaurant’s popular Peekin’ Bear wood carving was stolen sometime between 11 p.m. Sunday, March 6 and 6:30 a.m. Monday, March 7.

General Manager Linda Donaghay said a maintenance staffer noticed it on Monday morning when the bear, typically seen standing on a stump looking through a window of the southwest corner of the building, was gone.

Peekin’ Bear, valued at $1,000, was carved by Black Bear’s specialist carver Ray Schultz who has carved more than 1,400 bears for the national franchise including several at the Sequim eatery.

Donaghay said the table inside where the bear looked in is a popular spot for children so that they could wave to him.

Peekin’ Bear was bolted down and the chain was likely cut and he was carried to the nearby parking lot, staff said.

A thief (or thieves) was not captured on surveillance cameras, Donaghay said.

Staff reported the bear missing to Sequim Police on Tuesday and there are no suspects at this time.

Donaghay said this is the first bear theft from the restaurant.

With any information regarding the stolen bear, call Sequim Police at 683-7227.