Yosemite bears know big picnics come in minivans

A study published this month in the Journal of Mammalogy shows bears break into minivans more often than any other vehicle. The study suggests minivans often are owned by families with children who spill food and drinks.

And, quite often, there's a stash of food in the vehicle.

"In my own family, we have a minivan and we have two children, so I understand how food gets into the vehicle," said Yosemite spokesman Scott Gediman. "But it's not just food that attracts the bears. It's the odors, too."

And it's not just the food or odors. Researchers suspect these clever creatures recognize minivans and look for them.

Scientists were inspired to study the phenomenon several years ago when they noticed more windows pried open and broken on minivans in Yosemite than on other vehicles.

Gediman said he hopes publicity about the research will help reinforce the park's campaign to keep food out of cars and away from bears.