Thought the elusive "drop bear" was just an urban myth? One police officer in the United States may be inclined to disagree.

Key points: Authorities said the bear fell or jumped onto the car, apparently from a steep embankment

Authorities said the bear fell or jumped onto the car, apparently from a steep embankment The patrol vehicle hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and burst into flames

The patrol vehicle hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and burst into flames The fire was contained to small area but the car was gutted, authorities said

A patrol car being driven by the unlucky sheriff's deputy was struck by a falling bear in Humboldt County in northern California last weekend, before it crashed and burst into flames.

Authorities said the officer was driving on State Route 96 on August 3, answering a report of a drug overdose in the community of Orleans, when the bear fell or jumped onto the car, apparently from a steep embankment.

It smashed the hood and windshield of the patrol car, which then hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and burst into flames.

"The deputy escaped the vehicle without serious injury," the California Department of Transportation said on social media.

"Don't worry, the bear also fled the scene."

The fire was contained to about 2,000 square metres but the car was gutted, authorities said.

It's unknown how large the bear was or what exactly prompted it to plummet onto the vehicle.

AP/ABC