Bear gets stuck in SUV and destroys it while escaping
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. -- A mama bear destroyed an SUV in Steamboat Springs after getting stuck inside the vehicle --and leaving her cubs outside -- on Tuesday morning, CBS Denver reported.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Tuesday’s snowfall should help bears move into hibernation -- but that residents aren’t out of the woods just yet.
Scott Franz of Steamboat Today, a local news publication, caught the damage on camera. Franz said the bear got stuck after opening the driver’s door and sneaking inside. She left her cubs outside.
The mama bear did not make a graceful exit, destroying the SUV as she tried to get out. The bear escaped to safety after a witness opened the door.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Spokesperson Jennifer Churchill says it’s not uncommon for bears to be active this late in the year.
“Bears can come out of hibernation if we have warm days,” Churchill said. “They will come out, poke their heads out, and start looking for food. We need to make sure we are doing right by our bears by bear-proofing all along the foothills of Colorado.”
Churchill said residents should wait to take out their garbage until the morning of their trash collection, and also put away bird feeders until after Thanksgiving.
“Bears will eat almost anything,” Churchill said, “Keep an eye out for your neighbors, and let each other know if there are bears in the neighborhood.”
CPW said bears are used to finding food in cars, so they remind residents to never leave trash or food inside a vehicle.
Churchill said bears will often go after air fresheners as well, even if you lock your door.
