Can Bears Get into Coolers?

Many bears have discovered that coolers, bags and boxes are full of food; never leave them in your tent or anywhere a bear could see, smell or reach.

How do I keep bears out of my cooler?

Raccoons and bears are adept at opening coolers left in the open. Some cooler manufacturers claim certain models are bear-proof, though padlocks might be required. As a last resort, you can also hang a bag of food from a high tree branch or use a bear canister, if bears are a known nuisance in the campground.

Can a bear smell food in a cooler?

Tip #2: Put it Away

This is particularly important if you are camping in an area that is inhabited by bears, as bears will be attracted to the smell of your food. By placing a cooler inside of your food storage locker, you can keep all of your food cool while also keeping it safely away from bears and other animals.