A New Mexico bear hitched a ride on top of a garbage truck, traveling at least 5 miles on the vehicle before it was able to make its escape up a tree. The driver was picking up a dumpster July 18 when he heard a squeal then realized the bear was on top of the truck. It rode atop the vehicle to a site where the Forest Service keeps a firefighting helicopter. It was suggested that the driver back up near a tree to give the animal an escape route. The bear stayed up in the tree for about an hour or two before scurrying down and running off.
A bear hitches a ride on top of a garbage truck in Los Alamos, N.M., on July 18.
