Could a Bear Be Waiting to Attack Your Car in Idaho?

Idaho is full of wildlife, and it isn't uncommon to see a few different types of attacks throughout the year. While they don't happen frequently, throughout the year there are moose attacks, bear attacks, mountain lion attacks, and other animals that from time to time will interact with humans. In some extreme cases, these animals will find themselves in town, near someone's home, perhaps in a backyard, or in the rarest of situations, in someone's home or vehicle. With so much wildlife in Idaho, should residents of the Gem State be concerned about a bear attacking and destroying their property, specifically their car, like what recently happened in another state?

Bear Destroys Cars on the West Coast

Recently, a story emerged about a bear that attacked multiple cars in California. There were four separate reports of a bear attacking vehicles in the San Bernardino Mountains, raising safety concerns as well as concerns for vehicles. After some investigation, it was revealed to be a scam, as someone dressed up in a bear costume, destroying high-end cars. Four people have been arrested for insurance fraud, after collecting over $141,000 during their scam. For more details on this bizarre story, you can click the link above, but it raises the question of whether people, especially in Idaho, should be concerned about the potential of a bear attacking their vehicles. 

Will Bears Attack Vehicles in Idaho?

While the odds are slim, there is a chance a bear could attack your vehicle in Idaho, but it would likely only happen under two circumstances. It would have to be that they feel threatened, or there is something inside that they want. This is why it is important to make sure to not leave food or items in your vehicle that would provoke a bear to want to break in and to not threaten a bear in the wild. It is highly unlikely that they will do what was done in California, but if a bear gets into your car, it likely is not going to end well. 

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Bears shouldn't be a concern for a little bit, as they are beginning hibernation, and will unlikely be seen much over the next few months. When they do emerge from the long winter slumber, they will be hungry, and that is one of the times they are the most dangerous. So long as nobody in a bear suit is around, you and your vehicle should be safe, but it is always best to take precautions and be smart when going to a place known to have bears in the area.