Bear Trashes Subaru

A black bear in Juneau, Alaska got locked in a Subaru on October 26 and trashed the interior before being freed by police. The bear had tried out three different cars before settling on the Subaru, according to the owner, Michael Wilson.

The incident occurred just past midnight on October 26, when a neighbour called the police after hearing the car horn blare. The bear was spotted sitting on the horn, apparently trying to escape. Responding officers woke up Wilson to get the car keys, but by then, the bear was already tearing through the car's interior.

The police used a rope to prise open the vehicle's door and free the trapped bear after about 5-10 minutes. The bear ran away unharmed, but the Subaru's interior was significantly damaged, with the metal bent, plastic torn off, and seats torn apart.

Wilson stated that he did not have comprehensive insurance coverage and would have to foot the bill for the damages. He noted that the bear's actions were likely due to the increased bear activity in Juneau, caused by more than 5m of snow falling and a late spring, resulting in fewer berries and fish for bears.

## Why it matters The incident highlights the increased bear activity in Juneau, which has been more prevalent this season due to the heavy snowfall and late spring. This has led to bears searching for alternative food sources, resulting in encounters with humans and their property. The incident serves as a reminder for residents to take precautions to secure their property and prevent such encounters.

The Subaru's durability was ironically praised by Wilson, who said that the bear couldn't get out, despite its best efforts. However, the incident has left Wilson facing a significant bill for the damages, a consequence of the bear's destructive stay in his vehicle.