Video: Crafty Yosemite Bear in Action

Small black bear snatches food from under the noses of stupid campers

Jeez, people—how many warnings do you need to know that Yosemite bears are crafty critters? Check out this video of careless campers at the Tuolomne Meadows campground in Yosemite getting totally owned by a black bear. They managed to get their food in the bear-proof containers but (duh) either forgot or took too long to shut the dang door. Hence, a swift smash-and-grab by a likely experienced bear:

It seems funny at first, what with all the befuddled campers (a few of whom are dumb enough to chase the bear). But the real story is much sadder than that: With those type of easy-pickings rewards, the bear is probably going to try again, and the tag means it's likely a repeat offender. That probably means this lil' guy will end up a dead bear.

Dangit, folks. Use a bear canister or a bear bag in the backcountry, and in the frontcountry, shut your freaking locker. Sad.

—Ted Alvarez

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READERS COMMENTS

what were they told about keeping the food lockers closed/locked?it's alot easier and SAFER?!
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 leo

The guy taking the video was in our group - we were staying in the campground until our JMT permits went active the next day. It was amazing to see the whole thing unwind live.

Yes - the bear wasn't too deterred by all the noise, which isn't good news. That's the dad chasing after her at the tail end of the video. All the food fell out, and he was able to get the bag back. He was not chasing after the bear...he wanted his stupid Whole Foods grocery bag back. Dumb. They also had a small daughter who was mortified by the whole incident...you can hear her crying in the background.

We didn't see any other black bears on the trail...assuming because we were extra diligent with our canisters.
Posted: Aug 28, 2009 Dan

I lived and worked in Yosemite year round for three years and the real problem was people not bears, and the bears paid the ultimate price.

Why dont we put thiefs to sleep on their third offense of breaking into car?

Use a bear canister!

Posted: Aug 27, 2009 Chris

I was picking up a permit a couple of weeks ago and the rangers were warning people staying in the backpacker camp in Tuolumne about this bear. They specifically mentioned that the only thing that was working as a deterrent was getting people to act aggressive towards the bear - actions like making noise, waving arms, yelling, and yes, chasing after her. So the people running after it were like doing what they had been told to do for this particular bear.
Posted: Aug 26, 2009 Rebecca