NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — Animal control officials in Rhode Island are warning residents about black bears after an incident Tuesday between a Narragansett woman and a bear.
A black bear circled Brenda McCloskey while she was inside her car Tuesday. The bear even opened the door to get inside, before McCloskey knew what was happening.
McCloskey had just finished gardening at a property near Camp Varnum when she came face-to-face with the bear.
"You know what’s funny? They’re quiet. There was no noise, even on the window. He didn’t have the claws up, they were just the pads, but huge, huge pads," McCloskey said.
McCloskey said she saw the bear at the front of her car but was able to get inside and shut the door, but the bear came to the passenger side door and actually opened it and she struggled to keep it closed.
"You know, it was one of those things, I guess," she said. "Adrenaline kicks in and every time he pulled, I pulled, I knew if he gained – he did have it half-open at one point – I knew if he gained it at some point I would not have been able to pull it back, he was pretty strong," she said.
After McCloskey was able to get the door shut and the car doors locked, she took pictures of the black bear, while still in shock.
"He wasn’t aggressive. He was, you know, he was pretty cute," she said. "But I never thought they could open the door, never in my wildest dreams did I think they could open the door and he did."
Once she was safe, McCloskey was able to call 911, and the bear was scared away when animal control arrived.
"I just hope I never do it again, ha ha, it was nice to see and nice to see him go," she said.
McCloskey says luckily, the bear wasn't aggressive towards her.
Others agreed.
“Thankfully, she was able to secure herself in her vehicle after the bear opened the car door and fought to shut it from inside,” Narragansett animal control officials said on social media.
The agency posted photos of the bear, one of which shows the animal’s head at the window of the woman’s car on the passenger side.
Another bear sighting this afternoon near #CampVarnum in Narragansett. Thankfully the person that took the picture was able to secure herself in her car, the bear opened the car door and she fought to shut it. If you see a bear please take cover and call the local authorities. 🐻 pic.twitter.com/eQbLV1m8xo
— What's Going on in RI (@WhatsgoingonRI) May 28, 2019
Even though bears can appear cute and cuddly, officials are warning people to avoid them at all costs.
“Black bears can run as fast as 30 mph,” officials said.
“Yes, ‘it’s cool,’ but it is a bear, a wild animal. If sighted, please secure yourself as quickly as possible.”
There have been several other bear sightings and encounters in Rhode Island this year.
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