Bear hitches a lift on National Park rubbish truck
A bear hitched a lift on top of a rubbish truck in New Mexico.
The animal travelled at least five miles (8km) on the vehicle before making its escape up a tree.
Santa Fe National Forest spokeswoman Julie Anne Overton said the truck driver was picking up a dumpster last week when he heard a squeal and realised the bear had climbed on to the vehicle.
It then rode on top of the truck to a site where the Forest Service keeps a firefighting helicopter.
Helicopter mechanic Evan Welsch, who took photos of the bear, said about 30 Forest Service and National Park workers had gathered around to see the spectacle when it was suggested that the driver back up near a tree to give the animal an escape route.
The bear clambered up the tree and stayed up there about an hour or two before scurrying down and running off.
