Yesterday, I noticed this item from NewMexiKen from 2009. I sent it to Jill and Byron who camped in Yosemite and Kings Canyon in August.
If You’re Going to Yosemite National Park
… don’t take food, don’t take children, and don’t drive a minivan.
Our observations indicate that bears entering minivans typically did so by popping open a rear side window and it seems that this was easier for minivans compared to other vehicle classes. We note that bears are strong and well equipped (long claws) to open a variety of structurally sound materials (e.g., logs and ant mounds), and we commonly saw car doors bent open, windows on all sides of the vehicle broken, and seats ripped out, all of which appeared effortless for bears.
National Parks Traveler has the details on a USDA report.
These photos were taken by Jill at Kings Canyon. Click for larger versions or a gallery of all three.
In light of all this, last night I heard back from Byron.
Our plan would be to drive Jill’s minvan out there in a few years and leave a bunch of food in it… then take another car to a different campground.
Bluebook value= nice down payment on a new minivan without the hassle of selling it. Plus it isn’t an auto accident, but rather force of nature, so deductible =$100