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Deputies free bear trapped inside a Subaru, car owner forgot to lock doors

Video shows efforts to rescue the bear
Posted at 3:14 PM, Jul 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-13 11:35:13-04

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. -- Deputies in Jefferson County aren't strangers when it comes to dealing with the wilderness thanks to the mountainous terrain they patrol, however officers were forced to tackle a furry problem when a bear made its way into a car and locked itself inside. 

The 2004 Subaru belongs to 17-year-old Annie Bruecker. She just got the car a couple months ago and is using it to drive to her summer job. 

"My mom screamed from downstairs and I thought that I was in trouble," said Bruecker. "She said Annie there’s a bear in your car."

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office officials say they responded to the call about a bear locked inside a car Tuesday morning. Bruecker admits she forgot to lock her car the night before.

"I honestly could not tell you how he got in," said Bruecker.

Video shows how daring deputies set the "medium-sized" bear free by opening the back hatch of the car. They say the bear quickly rejoined the wilderness after the ordeal.

"It was kind of a little bit of a startling moment when he jumped out the vehicle," said Deputy Josh Tillman with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

Inside, the car was severely damaged as the bear had tried to free itself by clawing through the doors and roof. 

Watch the video below to see more. 

 

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