Residents warned to be 'bear smart' after animals destroy interior of 2 vehicles in southern BC

Police in southern BC are warning residents to be "bear smart" after the interior of two vehicles were destroyed by animals recently.

According to Trail RCMP, on Oct. 9 at 10:16 pm, officers attended to the 800 block of Hwy 22 in Rossland when they received a tip that a bear was inside a vehicle. The bear fled into the woods before police arrived.

A few days later, officers received a second report that a bear had gained access into another unlocked car, this time in 1900 block of Plewman Way. This instance occurred sometime overnight, so police did not catch the animal.

It is believed the bears entered the vehicles while searching for food.

"The Trail RCMP remind the public to lock their vehicles to prevent these kinds of costly wildlife incidents and protect against theft by humans," wrote RCMP. "It’s the time of year that bears will continue to be actively searching for food before hibernating for winter."

For tips on being bear smart, click here.