A viral video shared on Instagram captures a mother black bear demonstrating how to breach a truck bed cover, with her cub observing the technique. The footage shows the bear easily ripping open the cover, with the cub attempting to follow suit, highlighting that truck bed covers offer little protection against determined wildlife seeking food.
The video suggests the bear was attracted by the scent of food left in the truck bed, rather than camping gear or tools. This incident serves as a visual reminder that securing food in a truck bed with a cover is not foolproof.
The Instagram account that posted the video also shared safety advice for encounters with bears, particularly mother bears with cubs. The primary rule emphasized is to never get between a mother bear and her cubs. Other recommendations for bear encounters include:
- Remain calm and avoid running.
- Maintain a safe distance and slowly back away.
- Never approach cubs, even for photographs.
- Keep pets leashed and under control.
- Do not attempt to climb a tree, as black bears and cubs are adept climbers.
- If a bear alters its behavior due to your presence, you are too close.
- Carry bear spray and ensure it is readily accessible when in bear country.