Bears lock themselves into parked SUV until police arrive

KETCHIKAN, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - Two black bears locked themselves into a parked SUV and honked the horn until police arrived to help get them out.

Ketchikan Police Chief Eric Mattson said officers were dispatched around 5 a.m. Wednesday, after a caller reported persistent honking from a vehicle.

When Officer Luke Burkhalter arrived, he found two bears seated in the front seats “like they were going for a joy ride.”

“And had they not been honking that horn, I think they’d have been stuck in there quite a bit longer,” Mattson said.

Body camera footage released by the department shows the bears inside the SUV before the rear hatch was remotely opened, allowing them to escape. No one was hurt.

Police said the bears caused “quite a bit of damage” inside the vehicle, though the owner will ultimately decide if it’s repairable.

“It’s a comical video, unless you’re the owner of the vehicle,” Mattson said.

The incident prompted a lighthearted social media post from the department, reminding residents to lock their doors, avoid leaving food in vehicles and report unusual activity.

“Had the doors been locked, they would have gone to the next place,” Mattson said.

Mattson said that bears are opportunistic and will try door handles if they smell food.