Bear Dies After Being Trapped In Hot Car In Tennessee

SEVIERVILLE, TN — A black bear died after it became trapped in a parked car outside a Tennessee cabin, authorities said.

The car’s owner left the rental cabin in Sevierville in a different vehicle about 10 a.m. Wednesday and found the animal dead inside upon returning more than eight hours later, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

“We believe that heat likely killed the bear as outside temperatures exceeded 95 degrees yesterday meaning the vehicle's interior possibly reached over 140 degrees,” the agency said in a news release.

The bear likely entered the car by using its teeth or paws to open the unlocked door and was trapped inside after the door shut behind it, the news release said, adding there was an empty soda can and food package in the vehicle.

“Bears have noses 7 times better than a bloodhound and can smell even the faintest odor of food inside a vehicle,” the agency said. “Lock your doors, roll up your windows, and never leave food or anything that smells like food inside! Empty food containers, candy wrappers, fast food bags, and even air fresheners can attract bears.”