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Deputy probes abandoned car, finds bear cubs

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said a crew in the helicopter spotted the mother bear, but was unable to warn Deputy Ricky Hernandez.

By Ben Hooper
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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy lowered from a helicopter to investigate an abandoned car found it had occupants -- a family of bear cubs.

Deputy Ricky Hernandez said the helicopter team spotted the mother bear nearby while he was being lowered Sunday to investigate the car at the Chantry Flat recreation area in the Angeles National Forest, but they were unable to warn him because he lost radio contact.

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The mother bear appeared to be startled by the helicopter and ran away, but Hernandez said he became aware of her presence once he looked inside the car.

"The vehicle was all torn up. All the liner and upholstery was cut up and made into a nest. I entered the vehicle... when I got inside I noticed two or three bear cubs inside there," Hernandez said.

Hernandez said he wrapped up his investigation and got out before the mother bear returned.

The sheriff's department Special Enforcement Bureau tweeted pictures taken from the helicopter during the incident.

"Air 5 drops deputy to check stolen car over side, Chantry Flats, ANF. Bear jumps from car & runs. No pursuit," the bureau tweeted.

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