[WATCH] Surprise! Daring Bear Steals Hiker’s Backpack in Montana
This video serves as a reminder not to leave attractants out when recreating outdoors in Montana.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks released a video that shows a bear stealing a hiker's backpack and running off with it. According to Montana FWP, the hiker had stopped to use the restroom and left their backpack lying on the ground outside of the building.
It didn't take long for a curious bear to come along and start trying to get to what was inside of it. Eventually, the bear gets tired of trying to open the bag and decides to pick it up and run off with it.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks said;
Leaving attractants out is dangerous for wildlife and humans. That bear will be back for another easy meal. Help keep them wild, a fed bear is a dead bear.
It's extremely important to store your food and other potential bear attractants properly. Bears that get used to human food or garbage often become aggressive and dangerous in their efforts to get more. The food‐conditioned behavior can lead to human injury, death, and damage to property.
Here are some acceptable ways to store your food, garbage, and any other bear attractants in Montana:
- In metal storage boxes located in most campgrounds. Keep in mind you must share these food boxes with other campers and be sure to leave the boxes empty and clean when you leave.
- Within a hard‐sided vehicle (be warned – on occasion, bears will break into your vehicle if they smell or see desirable items).
- Hang your items from a tree or cable – at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet out from any vertical support, and preferably more than 100 yards from your tent.
There's a variety of containers certified as bear resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee that are available that can also be used to store your food and attractants. It's also important to pack out your trash and not bury it. For more information about how to properly store attractants in bear country, click here.