You realize that you have made an incredibly poor choice. An error of judgment. You did something bad. You really start to realize this as the pinching and biting really start to ramp up. Instead of standing behind your horrible decision, you decide to try to make amends. You ready an official apology that goes:

• Ants, I am sorry I have caused such misery and pain in your lives. In such a small amount of time, I have managed to ruin the work and energy you put into creating a home, a place for you to rest and grow and become better ants. My curiosity got the best of me, and I wish I could take back my actions and make this entire situation not happen. I wish I did not feel a need to try out every bit of possible forest sustenance. I must accept that not all things are food. Some things are things that must not be eaten, and your home is definitely one of those things. Please forgive me, ants. I am a bear, and a bear should not be eating your anthill.
• What can I do earn back your trust, ants? I have destroyed one of the few things that all forest creatures should have and should be guaranteed the safety of: a home. Nobody has ever eaten my cave, and I am more grateful for that now. Can I rebuild your home? Can I spit up the dirt and bits of sticks that made up your kingdom so we can move on from this tragedy, a tragedy I have caused and must fix with my own will and patience. Please, ants, guide me to your hearts and the shadow of your graces, humble me for my misdeeds. Please, ants, let me help you.
• Would you like to come eat my cave, ants? I do not know if that would work very well, but you can certainly give it a try. I think you have earned that much, at least.