Black bear trapped in van near Gardiner

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GARDINER, Mont. (AP) — Montana wildlife officials say a black bear that has broken into a dozen unlocked vehicles over the past two weeks was trapped, at least temporarily, when a van door slid shut with the animal inside.

The van was parked near a home north of Gardiner, which is north of Yellowstone National Park. The van's owner discovered the bear in the vehicle at about 11 p.m. Saturday.

The Livingston Enterprise reported a Park County sheriff's deputy and a Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden tied a 100-foot long rope to the door handle, took cover and pulled the door open. The bear ambled off, again eluding capture. The interior of the van was damaged.

Officials say the van is used to haul garbage to drop-off sites and residual odors likely attracted the bear, which is storing up fat to prepare for winter.

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