Black Bear Totaled Family’s Car in Northern California, GoFundMe Launched to Help

A family residing in Forest Ranch, a Northern California community approximately 100 miles from Sacramento, is seeking assistance after a black bear infiltrated their Subaru and became trapped, leading to extensive damage. Amanda Wells, the homeowner, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to solicit financial support to replace the vehicle, which was effectively totaled during the incident.

According to Wells, the bear gained entry to the car on the night of May 1st and became locked inside. In its frantic efforts to escape, the bear completely ravaged the vehicle’s interior, including the steering wheel. The damage was so severe that the car is now considered unusable.

"I really am not one to ask for help, but we could really use it right now," Wells stated on the GoFundMe page. She further explained that due to financial constraints, the family’s car insurance policy had lapsed, leaving them without any means of reimbursement for the extensive damage. "Funds had been pretty tight so we weren’t able to make our insurance payment, and it got canceled so we unfortunately have no way to get reimbursement for the totaled car."

Video footage captured during the incident shows the bear prowling around the Wells’ property before ultimately becoming trapped inside their Subaru. The aftermath revealed a scene of complete destruction, with the steering wheel torn to shreds, the windshield cracked, and interior panels broken.

Wells recounted to Storyful, a social media newswire, that the bear was confined within the vehicle for nearly two and a half hours. Concerned for the animal’s well-being, her husband ultimately shot the driver’s side window with a pellet gun to facilitate the bear’s escape.

"The bear was getting tired and hot, and we were worried he might die in the car," Wells explained.

As of May 7th, the GoFundMe campaign, with a target goal of $3,000, had raised $2,190. Wells emphasized the critical need for a replacement vehicle, stating that the absence of a car would significantly impede her ability to transport her children to school and other essential activities.

"With that being said, me not having a car is really going to hurt us as well as make it impossible to get my kids to school or anywhere else," Wells said, assuring potential donors that all funds raised would be dedicated to purchasing a new car.

The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing human-wildlife interactions occurring in California, particularly in regions where black bear populations are prevalent. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), black bears are abundant in the North Coast and Cascade regions of the state. They inhabit a diverse range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and areas where human development encroaches on natural landscapes.

With human-bear conflicts on the rise, wildlife agencies are urging residents to adopt "BearWise" practices and implement "reasonable corrective measures" to minimize the risk of encounters. These measures include securing food sources, such as garbage and other items that could attract bears.

The CDFW warns that when black bears become habituated to humans or food-conditioned, they can become increasingly bold and destructive. The National Park Service offers additional guidance for those who encounter a bear, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and avoiding any actions that could provoke the animal.

The Wells family’s experience highlights the challenges faced by those living in close proximity to wildlife. The financial burden of replacing a vehicle damaged by a bear can be significant, especially for families already facing economic hardship. The GoFundMe campaign represents a community effort to support the Wells family and help them regain their mobility and independence.

The incident also underscores the importance of responsible wildlife management and public education. By understanding bear behavior and taking appropriate precautions, residents can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and protect both themselves and the animals.

Securing food and garbage properly is paramount. Bears are attracted to anything that smells like food, including pet food, birdseed, and even toiletries. Storing these items in bear-resistant containers or indoors can significantly reduce the risk of attracting bears to residential areas.

Residents should also avoid approaching or feeding bears. Feeding bears can lead to habituation and food conditioning, making them more likely to seek out human food sources and potentially become aggressive.

If a bear is encountered, it is important to remain calm and avoid running. Back away slowly while facing the bear and make noise to let it know you are there. Do not make direct eye contact, as this can be interpreted as a threat.

By following these guidelines, residents can help to minimize the risk of human-bear conflicts and promote the coexistence of humans and wildlife in California. The Wells family’s unfortunate experience serves as a reminder of the importance of being "BearWise" and taking proactive steps to protect homes and families.