Bear falls on Northern California patrol car

Hoopa, California: They probably don’t train people for this at the Sheriff’s Academy.

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A patrol car was struck by a falling bear in Northern California last weekend.

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Authorities say a Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy was driving on State Route 96 on Aug. 3, answering a report of a drug overdose in the community of Orleans, when the bear fell or jumped onto the car, apparently from a steep embankment.

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The bear smashed the hood and windshield. The patrol car hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and burst into flames.

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The deputy managed to escape without serious injury.

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The fire was contained to about half an acre but the car was gutted.

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However, the California Department of Transportation stated: “Don’t worry, the bear also fled the scene.”

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