Bear locks itself in Virginia resident's car, honks horn

May 12 (UPI) -- Police in Virginia said a 200-pound black bear accidentally locked itself inside a resident's car and honked the horn until it was freed.

The Roanoke County Police Department said Glenvar area resident Ryan McClanahan and his family woke about 5 a.m. Thursday to the sound of their car's horn blaring.

Officer Thayer responded to the call and discovered a 200-pound black bear had managed to get into the unlocked car and closed itself inside.

"The baby bear found some treats inside and caused minor damage to the vehicle," the police department said in a Facebook post. "The officer was able to open the back door and the little guy eventually found his way out and ran off into the woods."

"Good crime prevention tip from Officer Thayer: always lock your car doors. It's not just thieves that break into your cars!" the post said.

"Thank you Officer Thayer!! It was quite alarming, and we appreciate your swift, effective action!!" McClanahan's wife, Mary Beth, wrote in a Facebook comment.