A black bear climbed into a Toyota SUV in Gold Hill, Colorado, became trapped and repeatedly hit the horn while dismantling the interior. At three in the morning, “angry neighbor” and “panicked bear operating a Toyota” apparently share an audio profile.
The vehicle was totaled. The larger story is less funny: drought has reduced berries, nuts and vegetation across parts of the Rocky Mountains, pushing hungry bears toward neighborhoods and human food.
The horn was a symptom
Wildlife officials say encounters have risen sharply in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Bears attracted to trash, pet food and bird feeders can become habituated, increasing the chance they will be relocated or killed.
Opening a car door is easy for a curious bear; escaping after the door closes is not. Inside, an animal can shred seats and panels while trying to find an exit.
People control the invitation
Officials recommend locking vehicles, removing food and scented items, securing garbage and bringing pet food indoors. Those small steps protect property and reduce the likelihood that a bear pays with its life.
The Associated Press reported the SUV episode and regional rise in conflicts.
The bear did not understand comprehensive coverage, but it delivered a clear review of the upholstery and found the emergency signaling system fully operational.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.
Wade Crowley
Strange News & Small-Town WeirdWade collects stories that begin with “You are not going to believe what happened at the Walmart.” He covers odd crime, local legends, UFOs, and reality losing the plot.
“Somewhere, a police report is already getting weirder.”