A near 250-pound black bear managed to enter an unlocked vehicle in central Colorado Springs, destroying the vehicle and tragically dying before it was found.
Bear Found Dead Inside Vehicle
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife SE Region, the bear entered the unlocked car and destroyed the vehicle while apparently trying to escape. It remained trapped and undiscovered for several days during hot weather before it was found dead.
CPW is using the incident to remind the public that unlocked vehicles can create a serious risk for wildlife. Keep vehicles locked, windows closed, and food and trash out of cars.
Keep vehicles locked/windows closed & rid of trash & food! This ~250lb black bear entered an unlocked car, destroyed the vehicle, and perished …undiscovered for days. In the heat. In central Colorado Springs. #BeBearWise Learn more: https://t.co/CKmbjzABrC pic.twitter.com/j0vEOt47im
— CPW SE Region (@CPW_SE) August 18, 2026
Bears Are Attracted to Food
Bears have an exceptional sense of smell and can be drawn to food, garbage, and other scented items. Once bears learn that human areas provide easy access to food, they can return repeatedly. According to CPW, most of a black bear’s natural diet consists of vegetation and other natural foods. However unsecured human food and garbage can quickly become an attractive alternative.
Bears can cause significant property damage when attempting to reach food. Once they become accustomed to finding food around people, they can eventually become a threat to public safety.
How to Prevent Bear Encounters
Residents can help prevent incidents by locking vehicles and removing food, garbage and other scented items from inside. CPW also recommends securing household trash and other attractants so bears cannot access them. Taking a few precautions can protect property while helping keep Colorado’s black bears wild and away from situations that could ultimately prove fatal.