Bear destroys interior of car after closing self inside

TINY TOWN, Colo., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- A Colorado couple said a bear burglar searching their car for food accidentally locked himself inside and ripped apart the vehicle's interior.

Karl Anderson of Jefferson County said he was investigating a strange noise outside his house about 3:30 a.m. Sunday when the bear inside his car managed to switch on the headlights and identify itself as the culprit.

Anderson said the bear appeared to have somehow opened the driver side door and climbed inside before the door slammed shut behind it and trapped the animal inside.

Anderson said he called 911 and the Division of Wildlife, but he was told it would be at least an hour and a half before a wildlife officer could make it to their home. Anderson said authorities recommended he open a car door and run.

The homeowner said he waited until the bear's back was turned and ran out to the open the door. He said the bear climbed out of the car a few minutes later and wandered away.

Anderson and his wife, Kristin, said they are now in the market for a new car.

Jefferson County has been considering an ordinance requiring residents to secure their trash against bears following recent incidents in the area. There have not yet been any proposals requiring residents to secure their cars against the animals.