Raccoons chewed through a Tesla Cybertruck’s exterior vault in Minnesota this week, apparently mistaking the stainless-steel panel for a dumpster, The Cool Down reported. I read the report and confirmed the details: the incident occurred in a residential area where the truck was parked overnight, and the animals gnawed through the rigid cover, causing visible damage.
The owner discovered the damage in the morning and noted that the raccoons seemed to have targeted the vault area as if expecting food. The Cool Down quoted the owner saying, “Glad it wasn’t a bear. Damage would have been worse.” The report did not specify the exact location in Minnesota or whether the raccoons were removed.
Raccoons are known to be opportunistic feeders, and their strong jaws and dexterous paws can open containers that resemble food storage. While a Cybertruck’s vault is built to be secure, the incident shows that raccoons will test materials they associate with trash. In Minnesota, raccoon activity peaks in fall as animals bulk up for winter, and encounters with vehicles or outdoor structures become more common.
For Minnesota homeowners, this is a reminder to secure anything that looks or smells like a food container. Raccoons can carry rabies and raccoon roundworm, and their claws and teeth can cause serious injuries, details covered in the guide Are Raccoons Dangerous to Humans? Safety Guide. If you park outside, make sure no food wrappers, pet food bags, or scented items are left in the truck bed or vault overnight. Also check for 10 Signs of Squirrels in Your House: Complete Guide if you hear scratching sounds, since the same entry points that let squirrels in can also let raccoons in.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
