Bear (Not Smokey) Sniffs out Pot Farm Before Cops

Bears and vigilantism are not normally associated. That may start to change (at least in our minds) thanks to the relentless work of one Colorado black bear, for whom just saying no wasn't enough.

Recently, police discovered a marijuana growing operation in Garfield County, Col., where a large black bear had wreaked so much havoc that the owners were forced to abandon it.

Authorities found 4,000 "starter" sacks of marijuana, consisting of small plastic bags with seeds, plant food and dirt, and 888 young plants -- but they also found pipes chewed in half, ripped-open food containers, bitten cans, claw marks, bear prints and marked trees. Judging from the destruction, the bear is estimated to be about 6' 2".

"This particular bear apparently was not going to give up and basically chased these marijuana farmers away," said Sheriff Danny Perkins. "If I can find this bear, I'm going to deputize him."

While that's sweet and all, we'd just like to remind Sheriff Perkins that attempting to bestow that honor could potentially get his arms ripped off.