A 3-year-old black bear that figured out vehicles might contain food was put down at Grand Teton National Park after rooting through a car before ransacking a housekeeping cart and making off with a purse.

The bear was put down Thursday afternoon. 

"The brown-colored bear climbed into the open—and temporarily unattended—trunk of a vehicle after guests of Jenny Lake Lodge removed their luggage and entered their cabin to settle in for the night. While in the trunk, the bear found food items, which she ate," said park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs. "She then climbed on top of the same car. Witnesses reported that the bear appeared to be trying to gain entry into the passenger compartment. The bear then proceeded to visit other cabins before she ripped into items left in a parked housekeeping cart and stole a purse, which she carried off into the woods. Witnesses also reported that the bear stood on its hind legs and pressed its front paws and face against the windows and doors of several cabins in an apparent attempt to enter."

This is the first bear to be euthanized in Grand Teton this year. Two black bears were euthanized in 2014.

The bear was estimated to weigh approximately 125 pounds and had no ear tags or other identification that would mark it as a previously captured bear, said Ms. Skaggs.  

In the past two years, park staff have seen numerous food storage violations by visitors using the String Lake beaches and picnic areas. People have left coolers and tote bags with food items unattended while they enjoy wading, swimming and boating on String Lake. Because of the repeated reports of black bears getting easy access to these coolers and tote bags, park officials discussed possible restrictions against food items.

Once a bear acquires human food, it often loses its fear of people and may become dangerous. Park officials strongly remind local residents and visitors that proper storage of food items and disposal of garbage is vitally important. Thoughtless actions of people can literally lead to a life or death situation for bears that can easily become corrupted by the availability of human food and garbage. Human carelessness doesn't just endanger people; it can also result in a bear’s death.