Black bear locked in truck was killed as it charged rescuer

Early Monday, September 6, a black bear entered a truck in Grand Marais and was locked inside, reported Conservation Officer Mary Manning, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Manning, who was called to the scene, said the bear did considerable damage to the inside of the truck, making the vehicle inoperable. When the bear was released, it charged the person who let it out and was shot dead. Manning said the shooting appeared warranted because it was in self-defense.

This isn’t the first incident of a bear opening vehicle doors in Grand Marais. A few weeks ago, a bear entered a car and ate some crackers, leaving a big paw print on the dashboard but not destroying anything. A couple of days later a bear entered a truck and did quite a bit of damage to the truck’s interior before leaving the scene.

With fall coming, bears are desperate to find food and fatten up before hibernation. This past summer drought severely limited wild crops of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, nuts, and other food bears eat. This has driven bears into town where they will climb apple trees, raid garbage cans, muck up gardens, and take what food they can find.

If you need to walk at night carry a flashlight and listen for bear activity so you don’t startle a bear. Lock your vehicle doors and don’t leave any food or drink in the vehicle. Keep your garbage inside and don’t leave your house doors open. A bear in a vehicle is one thing. A bear in a house is another thing all together.