Nov 9, 2007 1:22 am US/Eastern
Black Bear Steals Minivan In N.J.
VERNON, N.J. (CBS) ―
You might say he's smarter than the average bear.
A black bear is on one New Jersey police department's most wanted list.
He or she apparently broke into a minivan looking for chocolate and then took a little joyride.
CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City tracked down all the bear facts.
The minivan in question was damaged, specifically a window where the bear apparently forced his way in. Vernon police officers have since made a "Wanted" poster, featuring a picture of "Yogi Bear."
We're not kidding.
"One of our patrol officers was on routine patrol," Vernon Police Department Capt. Ken Kuzicki said. "He noticed a minivan that was in a strange location.
"He saw that the side window was smashed."
And then he saw a clue.
"He saw that there was a lot of bear hair inside the vehicle," Kuzicki said.
Actually, everyone is having a little fun with this. The police do have a great sense of humor, and, yes, it was a bear that broke into Sharon Terzakis' minivan about 2 a.m. on Wednesday. The bear smelled a snack inside. What happened next isn't something you see every day.
"I believe the bear must have put its paw on the brake," Terzakis said. "The emergency brake -- and it popped and rolled backwards."
Terzakis said she may have left some Halloween candy inside the minivan.
"I saw the glass back there," she said. "Possibly … maybe some chocolates in the back."
Hey "Boo-Boo" ... something for the pic-a-nic basket. Be on the lookout.
Terzakis brought the car in for repairs. She is getting her deductible, but there is no exemption for "bears."
Yes: WCBS-TV actually asked.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Lawyer: Terror Suspects To 'Explain' 9/11 Attacks 16 mins ago 
Gov. Paterson Wants Lawmakers To Address Deficit 24 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Comments