In an unfortunate series of events over the weekend in British Columbia’s Kootenays, a hapless bear found itself entrapped in a vehicle, an escapade amounting to significant deterioration of the automobile’s interior.
Reacting to the bizarre break-in late Saturday night in the town of Rossland, officers from the Trail and Greater District RCMP detachment were swiftly on the scene. According to them, despite their best efforts, using the car owner’s keys to free the bear proved futile, pushing them to resort to other means. With the vehicle owner’s consent, a rear window was shattered, finally granting the confused creature its much-needed liberty.
However, their victory was met with glum fact, that the car had suffered vast damage in this unexpected incident. In the words of Trail and Greater District RCMP, the vehicle’s inside was “extensively damaged.”
Sgt. Mike Wicentowich humorously noted, “To add insult to injury, the bear left a small and smelly surprise in the backseat.” The incident is now being held up as a timely reminder for residents to ensure their cars are locked, providing protection from both “two- and four-legged creatures.”
In an odd coincidence, the unit was summoned to another bear-related episode just days later. This time, a trio of these creatures had sought solace on a Trail resident’s porch in the wee morning hours. As per reports, the bears were lured to the property by the unpleasant attraction of garbage bags left outside.
Resorting to his quick wit, an officer succeeded in driving the bears off—the RCMP befittingly referred to them as “nature’s porch pirates.” This was followed by notifying the BC Conservation Officer Service.
“Bears are getting ready to enter into hibernation and are looking for any scrap of food. Please keep your garbage inside and secure to help avoid conflict with wildlife,” remarked Wicentowich, making a plea to area residents to be prudent and mindful of their surroundings.
