A Colarado bear climbed into an empty car for a joyride, only to crash it into a thicket in Larkspur, near Denver.

The stray bear managed to open the unlocked Toyota Corolla, while the Story family were asleep in their home. It is thought that a peanut butter sandwich left on the back seat attracted the bear. A Colorado Division of Wildlife spokesman said that it is common for bears to enter cars or even houses in search of food.

He added: "It happens all the time. They're very smart." Ben Story, 17, stated that the bear must have knocked the gear selector into neutral, sending the car rolling down the family driveway before crashing into the thicket.

The bear remained trapped inside the car and had to be freed by local authorities, using a rope to open the door from a distance. It also left a 'present' on the drivers seat. "A nice pile, actually," added father Ralph Story. "Something to remember."

Well at least Ralph's family know what to get him for Christmas...

You'd better drive... I've forgotten my specs.

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