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A Curious Bear Climbs Into a Colorado Man's Truck and Makes Itself at Home

A Colorado man was stunned to discover a curious bear sitting inside his truck. The surprising encounter was caught on camera and serves as a reminder to stay cautious and keep food and scented items secured in bear country.
Aug 07, 2026
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A Curious Bear Climbs Into a Colorado Man's Truck and Makes Itself at Home

In Colorado, a little bear found his way into one man’s truck, much to the man’s shock and surprise. His truck’s passenger door was closed when he opened it up, and the bear was sitting there in the seat. He had to pull out a wooden plank to prod at the bear to get it to leave.

Bear Found in Truck Surprises Colorado Man

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After he opened the driver-side door and prodded the bear, apparently a cub, with a long plank, he went out the side of the vehicle and ran away. 

The person who captured the footage on their surveillance camera, Justin E. Pickar, said he was scared when he first saw the footage but laughed when he realized the man, Andy Kerrigan, could handle himself. 

It is a bit of a cartoonish thing that happened here. It’s funny to watch. However, encounters with bears can be very serious and life-threatening. 

Recent Bear Activity Highlights the Risks

Earlier in June, hikers saw two young grizzlies running down a trail in Glacier National Park. In Ohio, wildlife rangers captured a 576-pound black bear and fitted it with a GPS collar to study the state’s bear population. 

Also, at Glacier Park last month, a hiker was attacked by a grizzly and survived with severe injuries. The park has about 300 grizzlies and 600 black bears. 

Bears are very dangerous animals. Wildlife experts say you should never ever approach bears or offer them food. Bears use their noses to hunt down food. Officials recommend keeping vehicles, homes—even trash cans—locked and removing food or scented items whenever possible. 

How to Stay Safe Around Bears

The National Park Service says it’s important that you try not to surprise bears or get close to them. If you are in an area where bears are known to be, try to be noticeable so that a bear can know you are nearby and avoid you, as bears typically avoid humans when they know they are there. 

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WATCH: A Curious Bear Climbs Into a Colorado Man's Truck and Makes Itself at Home

LISTEN: Teen Scouts Spend 2 Hours Carrying Injured Hiker to Safety | Students Learn Sign Language to Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Therapy Dog

h/t: People 

Featured Image Credit: CANVA 



Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.

Originally published August 07, 2026.

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