Records show Ohio spending on exotic animals' care

COLUMBUS (AP) — Bears don’t eat light.

State records show that two bears temporarily housed at an Ohio facility chowed down on dog food, hot dogs and dozens of doughnuts and cookies.

The state-owned building is meant to hold wild creatures confiscated or surrendered under Ohio’s new exotic animal law. The state then finds new permanent housing for the animals.

Receipts obtained by The Associated Press through a public-records request show Ohio agriculture officials spent more than $1,000 on food and supplies for the facility’s boarders since the end of May.

Items included a $225 ball for the bears and five kiddie pools for alligators.

The holding facility was ready to begin taking animals at the end of February. At least five alligators and two bears have since come through its doors.