Watch CBS News

CHP Truckee: Man Starts Fire On Car Hood To Keep Bears Away

TRUCKEE (CBS13) - A CHP officer in the Truckee area responded to a car fire that was reportedly started by someone trying to keep bears at bay.

As civilization increasingly encroaches on wilderness areas in the Sierra, it's only natural that interactions between man and wild animals are on the rise. And with recent deaths caused by bears, including a Chico woman who was recently dragged from her tent and mauled to death by a grizzly, it's no wonder that peoples' fear of these encounters has increased.

If you happen to be in the wild, things like making loud noises and keeping food put away can prevent bears from wandering into your area, but one man's attempt to keep bears away is baffling. According to a Facebook post from CHP Truckee, the man started a fire on the hood of his car to scare off bears. It happened at the Farad offramp on Interstate 80.

An officer responded to the scene and helped put out the fire.

A post by CHP Truckee on Facebook reads: "We are always appreciative of additional fire extinguisher training, but in case anyone was wondering, no you cant [sic] light a fire on the hood of your vehicle to "keep the bears away."

The suspect, a white male in his 30's, was transported to the hospital for medical clearance and then arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and arson, says the CHP. They warn that the fire could have spread to nearby vegetation.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.