Ask A Bear: Why Did You Destroy My Van?

Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'

Q: While in Lake Tahoe, I woke up at 5:30 or so to my minivan's hazard lights flashing. After rallying the troops out the door, we were greeted with one big black bear crawling out the driver side window with two little ones in tow. There were two other vehicles explored in the drive way, but their doors were unlocked and therefore not pawed open Why in the hell did you have to destroy my minivan?? —Eryka Thorley, via email

A: Let's take a look at the damage:

Eep. Sorry about that, Eryka. The fact is, in certain places (California, especially) I've learned to associate minivans with food. While it's true that if you left your car unlocked, I probably would've left without causing more damage, that's not really an practical solution, for obvious reasons.

If you plan to park your car overnight in places that have a history of vehicular bear break-ins, the only real preventative measure is to leave your car in civilization and get a ride to the trailhead. That's often not an option, so unless you've got a clunker with nothing to steal, you'll just be taking a chance. Try and find alternate trailheads with less bear activity, and never, ever leave food out in the car. (If you've got too much food to pack, store it in the trunk.)

Even after taking these preventative measures, it's still possible I could go grand theft auto on your minivan. What can I say? I'm smarter (and stronger) than your average thief.

—BEAR

Got a question for the bear? Send it to askabear@backpacker.com.

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gbPhx

Jun 11, 2011

Most likely, the bears go for (family)minivans because the many spills of drinks and snacks over time leave an indelible scent of food. Everyone I know who has kids also has spill stains, crumbs and sticky hand-prints in their vehicle, no matter how neatnik they may be.

SocraticGadfly

Feb 10, 2011

If you're in Yosemite, follow the signage advice - put ALL food in the bearproof bins if you're going on a hike and not taking it with you.

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Dec 09, 2010

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Walt B

Dec 02, 2010

I don't understand. Are you saying that bears will try to door handles first, to see it the door is unlocked? Smarter, with more more refined motor skills than I thought. Perhaps if I left my tent trailer door unlocked, they wouldn't rip the canvas, but enter the more civilized way? I wonder why they cannot open the doors on the unlocked metal bear-proof food caches?

"While it's true that if you left your car unlocked, I probably would've left without causing more damage, that's not really an practical solution, for obvious reasons."

homeowner bear break-in victim

Nov 26, 2010

Bears are notorious around Tahoe for break-ins. A bear broke into our home and left the gas stove blazing. Thankfully nothing caught fire but it made a mess with the food/fridge/cabinets. Welcome to the reality of the Tahoe Basin.

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Nov 23, 2010

Snuff! Snuff! Sniff! Woof! (Crash CRaaaash! Craaaaaash! Tinkle! ) Snuff! Slurp Slurp Slurp! Snuff Snuff Slurp Slurp Slurp! Yum Yum Yum Snuff Slurp! Grrrrrrrrr! Grrrrrrrrrrrr!! ( Translation: Smells good! Smells like good eats! Let's see if I can get in! Yes!! Ohh Yes! Slurp slurp MMMMM! Goooood! Buuuurp!)

Bearnhard the Bear

Nov 23, 2010

Bearnhard the Bear

Nov 23, 2010

Anonymous

Nov 12, 2010

The bear has issues with Leave No Trace.

Ikan Mas

Nov 11, 2010

Dude:

Sounds like your rather new to the whole Tahoe animal scene. Bear problems around cabins have been going on for a few years now. Your neighbors have probably been feeding mama bear for years with their garbage and dog food.

Yosemite bears prefer minivans and the same thing is probably going on in Tahoe. Your license plate spells "lunchwagon" in bear.

Another tip: Don't leave fluffy or bowser outside at night. They make a nice snack for the local coyotes!

Gary Fisher

Nov 11, 2010

Next time smear the neighbors car with peanut butter, and spray yours with Red Fox urine. Your friends will think you have a bladder problem, but your neighbors will have the bear problem. Just joking!

Bear victim

Nov 11, 2010

She says she was parked in a driveway, which sounds more like a residence than a trailhead.

There has been a huge increase in bear problems in the Tahoe area in recent years. Lots of break-ins to both houses and cars.

You should go through your vehicle and remove all food, crumbs, wrappers, car seats, etc. before leaving your vehicle. Also remove anything from sight that looks like food (cooler, water bottle, etc.). Bears can recognize things like refrigerators and coolers so closing the blinds or covering them up helps some.

The Bear League also has good advice (http://www.savebears.org/) Call and talk to someone there if you have questions not answered on the web site.