Traffic on Highway 65 came to a standstill Monday afternoon after an 87-year-old Branson grandmother took her pet bear for a ride that quickly escalated into a full-scale police pursuit.
Witnesses reported seeing the woman calmly steering the bear down the highway as police cruisers, motorcycles, and even a helicopter joined the chase. Motorists pulled over to the shoulder as sirens wailed and flashing lights filled the two-lane stretch of road.
“It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen,” said one driver who filmed part of the chase. “You don’t expect to be late to work because a grandma on a bear is holding up traffic.”
Authorities confirmed no one was injured, though the unusual pursuit caused miles of backups and confusion for travelers. Officials are still determining what charges, if any, will be filed.
Local residents say the woman has long been known for keeping unusual pets, but few expected her to take one onto the highway.
“This is Branson,” said another bystander. “We’ve seen a lot of strange things, but this takes it to another level.”