Bear Climbs on Colorado Car, Plays with Windshield Wipers

April 10, 2025 — A resident in Evergreen, Colorado, received a late-night alert from their driveway camera and found an unexpected visitor: a large black bear had hopped onto the hood of their parked car and began batting at the windshield wipers as if testing a new toy. The footage, shared online, quickly drew attention for its playful yet unsettling nature.

While the video appears harmless, wildlife officials point to a growing trend: bears in Colorado are becoming increasingly comfortable around human structures. The incident, which occurred around midnight, is the latest in a series of close encounters across the state, where bears have been spotted rummaging through trash, entering garages, and now, exploring vehicles.

According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the state’s bear population has been expanding, and with more people moving into wildlife corridors, interactions are inevitable. “When a bear feels bold enough to climb onto a car, it’s a sign it has lost its natural fear of humans,” said CPW spokesperson Bridget O’Rourke in a statement. “That can lead to property damage, and in worst cases, injuries to people or the bear itself.”

The CPW recommends that residents never leave food or scented items inside vehicles, lock doors, and install motion-sensor lights. In Evergreen, a town nestled in the foothills west of Denver, bear sightings are common, but incidents like this highlight the need for vigilance. Homeowners are advised to report any bear that shows no fear of humans to CPW.

The video also sparked debate on social media about whether such encounters are increasing due to climate change or habitat loss. A 2024 study from the University of Colorado found that droughts in the region have pushed bears to seek food at lower elevations, closer to residential areas. The bear in this video appeared healthy and was not aggressive, but experts caution that the line between a curious visitor and a dangerous one can be thin.

To prevent future incidents, CPW is urging residents to secure trash bins, remove bird feeders at night, and clean grills after use. “We want bears to stay wild and keep their distance,” O’Rourke added. The homeowner, who asked not to be named, said they were surprised but not alarmed, and have since taken steps to make their vehicle less inviting.

This story is a reminder that coexistence with wildlife requires proactive measures. As bear activity ramps up in spring, residents across Colorado are encouraged to stay alert and report any concerning behavior.