There is a rather unusual twist in the story of a bear that attacked vehicles in California. Authorities now say the 'bear' is actually something else.

Bears breaking into homes or trash cans in search of food have become a problem in California — from Lake Tahoe in the Sierra down to the foothill suburbs of Los Angeles, where some have been known to raid refrigerators and take dips in backyard pools and hot tubs.

The suspects provided video footage to the insurance company, which showed "the alleged bear" in the vehicle, a news release says.