Bear gets trapped inside vehicle in Manitou Springs, causes significant damage

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Manitou Springs Police Department says they responded to a local residence after a bear became trapped inside a vehicle today.

No one was injured during the incident, according to officials. The vehicle, however, sustained significant damage as the bear attempted to escape.

Officials are reminding residents that bears are strong and unpredictable, particularly when they feel trapped or threatened.

The incident also serves as a reminder about the importance of removing potential bear attractants from vehicles.

Bears have an extraordinary sense of smell, estimated to be more than 2,100 times stronger than a human's. Even small amounts of food, food wrappers, beverages, pet food, coolers and other scented items can attract a bear.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Remove food, drinks, trash, coolers, pet food and other scented items from vehicles.
• Lock vehicle doors and completely close all windows.
• Never intentionally feed wildlife or leave attractants where bears can access them.

Officials say when bears begin associating neighborhoods and vehicles with food, it can create dangerous situations for both people and wildlife.

For more information about living safely with bears, click here.

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