Colorado Springs, Colorado – A 250-lb bear died after getting stuck inside of a car it had climbed into, presumably seeking food. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the bear took advantage of an unlocked car in Colorado Springs before getting trapped when door closed.
According to CBS News, the bear was not found for several days. Heat stroke is believed to be the cause of the unfortunate bear’s death.
The wildlife agency urges people to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving food or wrappers inside. A locked car can be the difference between a curious bear walking away and a bear becoming trapped or learning that cars and neighborhoods are sources of food.
That’s really the lesson here. Bear-proofing isn’t just about protecting property. It’s about keeping bears wild and keeping them alive.
Additional tips to keep bears safe:
- Trash and recycling should be kept in wildlife-resistant containers or secured inside a garage/shed until pickup. Even empty containers can retain food odors.
- Don’t leave dog or cat food outside, and don’t assume a bowl on a porch is too small to matter. Bears quickly learn where easy calories are available.
- Keep grills clean. Burning off food residue and cleaning the grill after use helps eliminate another powerful attractant.
- Remove bird feeders while bears are active because bears are attracted to the seed. Fallen seed underneath can also become an attractant.
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