2006-09-21 21:02:28Cabnolen

Bear can’t resist pizza in convertible

Source: UPI

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. (UPI) -- A Lake Tahoe, Nev., man has learned the dangers of leaving a fresh pizza and alcoholic drinks in his vintage top-down convertible in bear country.

The newly painted red 1964 Buick Skylark was parked near a swimming facility when the bear cub followed his nose and climbed in for a messy snack Sunday, the Nevada Appeal reported Wednesday.

Although the car alarm was loudly blaring, the cub demolished the pizza in the back seat, and drank a Jack Daniel’s mixer, an Absolut vodka and tonic, and a beer, the report said.

About 30 onlookers -- including the car’s owner, David Ziello -- kept their distance and snapped pictures.

The bear stayed in the car for about 20 minutes, and at one point put its paws on the front dashboard as if holding on for a ride, the report said.

The cub then got out and sauntered off into the brush.

Ziello said he thought there would be more damage to the interior than just scattered cheese and jalapenos, but said he was planning on having the interior redone anyway.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International