RABUN COUNTY, Ga. — A Rabun County woman thought a big black cat had climbed into her minivan.
A closer look revealed it was a big black bear.
Carrie Watts showed Channel 2 Action News the scratches all over the side of the vehicle on Wednesday
"I panicked. I started screaming. I didn't know who to call, didn't know how to get it out,” Watts said.
The bear had climbed through the open windows.
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"He was eating my lunch and destroying stuff,” Watts said.
"What did you have for lunch?" Channel 2's Berndt Petersen asked.
"A sandwich, some chips and a cookie,” Watts said.
All gone.
Besides stealing her meal, the bear tore up one of her kid’s car seats and destroyed a pile of paperwork.
Watts said the bear appeared to be in no hurry to move on. He loitered for a good half an hour before crawling out, and then up a tree.
Watts said she has seen her share of bears around these parts, but never like this.
Her habit of leaving the van windows down on a hot day is over.
"If you're on Lake Burton, don't leave your windows down. Especially if there's any kind of food or crumbs in the car,” Watts said.