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Black Bear and Cub Trapped Inside a Car in Connecticut Rip Everything Apart

Bear and cub trapped in car

Two black bears in Connecticut deciding to explore the insides of a car or perhaps wanting to go for a ride unknowingly locked themselves in. What transpired next was mayhem with the bears crazily thrashing around inside the car. The ransacking of the car set off the horn and radio system which began blasting in the middle of the night of July 15th.

A Night to Remember

bear rips car
Screenshot from Black bear and cub destroy car in Connecticut. Source: YouTube, Upload AP News

In mid-July 2024, a resident of Winsted, Connecticut, was treated to an unusual spectacle when a black bear and its cub decided to explore his parked car. Somehow, the bears were trapped inside, and no one could guess how.  When the State Environmental Conservation Police were called in, they assumed the bear had got access to the car because of a poorly locked door. While the two bears created a ruckus inside the car, a third bear cub was seen by the car owner frantically running around the car.

Damages Done

YouTube video
Source: AP News

Upon arrival, the authorities opened the door to free the animals. Seeing the chance to escape, the bears ran out of the care and into the surrounding woods with the third joining them. Although, the bears seemed fine, the interior of the car was a total wreck. The upholstery was ripped to shreds, seats torn apart, and  belongings strewn everywhere. The destruction was documented on cellphone by the owner who could do little else except stand and watch.

Bear Incidents on The Rise in Connecticut

Bear destroys car interior
Screenshot from Black bear and cub destroy car in Connecticut. Source: YouTube, Upload AP News

In the past, bears have broken into cars, homes, and trash bins in Western US, but in Connecticut incidents are rare. However, in recent years, they are a growing phenomenon. According to experts, the bears might have been in search of food and got themselves locked in.

Three Episodes Involving Bears in A Week

bear searching trash
Representational image of bear searching in trash. Image by Alex Ischenko via Depositphotos

Over the past week, three bear incidents were reported in Connecticut by the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, (DEEP) highlighting the growing black bear population. On Saturday, a woman in Cheshire was bitten by a black bear in her backyard, suffering minor injuries and declining treatment. Environmental conservation police euthanized the bear for testing. On Sunday, a nearly 500-pound black bear was struck and killed by a car on a highway in Torrington.

Bears Are Returning to Connecticut

Bear inside car
Screenshot from Black bear and cub destroy car in Connecticut. Source: YouTube, Upload AP News

According to state officials, bear populations in Connecticut have risen since the 1980’s. Sightings have been reported from all 169 towns in Connecticut pegging the number of bears to approximately 1,200. State officials have advised residents to keep their car doors locked, and to take steps that prevent bears from gaining access to human sourced food.

Minimizing Human-Bear Conflicts

Bear
Representational image of Bear in urban area. Image by Wirestock creator via Depositphotos

To minimize human-bear conflicts, it is crucial to remove attractants such as food scraps and ensure that cars and homes are locked. The DEEP continues to monitor bear activities and provides resources on how to coexist safely with these magnificent but sometimes troublesome creatures.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of securing property in areas where wildlife is prevalent, ensuring both human and animal safety.

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