Mounties in the Kootenays responded to a break and enter earlier this month, but no suspect was arrested.
Instead, the bear who police say broke through a locked back door to gain access to the home was ushered out through the front door and encouraged to run free.
A Trail RCMP officer responded to the report of the black bear trapped in a Warfield residence around 2:40 am on Friday, Sept. 13.
According to police, the owner waited inside his vehicle while waiting for the RCMP to show up.
When the officer arrived, she assessed the situation and decided that opening the front door of the home was the best remedy.
Her solution worked, as the bear eventually exited the house through the open door and took off.
An RCMP release said the home suffered “significant damage” at the hands of the bear, which was able to get inside by breaking open the locked back door.
“Fall is here and bears are looking for any food source to fatten up before the long winter. Bears are very strong and motivated to find food,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“Please store your garbage in a secure location, pick up all fallen fruit off the ground in your yard, and secure any doors with a good deadlock or barrier to help prevent animal break-ins this fall.”
Click here for more information on preventing human-wildlife conflict around your home.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of 123rf.
