06/04/2026
🐻🚚 HVAC Service Call Gone Wild 🚚🐻
Last Wednesday, I was at a cabin on a no-cool call when the homeowner warned me to keep my truck locked because of the bears in the area.
I listened... at first. 😅
After diagnosing the issue, I needed to grab my inspection camera so I could send photos and videos to the owner. I unlocked the truck, opened a utility compartment, tossed my keys on the center console, and stepped away for maybe 4 minutes while talking with the homeowner on the phone.
When I came back outside, my truck had been completely ransacked.
The culprit? A black bear that apparently knows how to open truck doors better than some people. 😂
The homeowner checked the security cameras and sent me these pictures. This bear opened both sides of the truck and conducted a full snack inspection.
Thankfully, he wasn't interested in HVAC tools. He got away with some chocolate Necco wafers and a ketchup-covered wrapper, then left muddy paw prints all over everything. My keys ended up in the woods, but I was lucky enough to find them. Other than one small puncture and a muddy cleanup, there was very little damage.
Looking back, I was definitely blessed. It could have been a whole lot worse.
Just another day servicing cabins in the Smoky Mountains! Has anyone else had a bear break into their vehicle?
