Video shows hungry bear caught on camera stealing trash can at Alabama home: Watch
An Alabama homeowner got robbed, and it was not by a human.
On Oct. 26 surveillance footage showed a black bear executing an impromptu heist you must see to believe.
The video shows the four-legged bandit targeting Bryce Hoven’s home to escape with a trash can or, for the bear, a prize filled with thrown-away treats.
Before getting to the goods, the bear sniffed out Hoven’s garage walking on its hind legs to make sure it was not being followed, the video shows.
Watch bear steal trash can for home
Bear took trash can away and then grubbed on food inside
When the coast was clear the bear grabbed the trash can and exited the garage to enjoy a midnight snack, the video shows.
"It walked relatively far with the trash can before abandoning it," Hoven told news outlets.
Once the bear was out of sight, Hoven said it dragged the trash can about 20 feet before enjoying its meal.
Hoven told the news outlet that bear sightings are a common occurrence. However, he had not seen a bear as strategic as this one.
"They have never taken the trash like the bear did the other day," he said.
Are black bears dangerous?
Dr. Lynn Rogers, a biologist who studies wild black bears, has gained an understanding of the often-misunderstood creatures.
After studying bears in the wild for over 50 years, Rogers claims that the bears are just like humans in some aspects: territorial. Rogers said that bear attacks occur mainly when they are afraid.
"Most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, which is an easy situation to avoid," Rogers wrote in a blog post on North American Bear Center. "Injuries from these defensive reactions are usually minor."
What should you do if you see a black bear?
While bear attacks are rare, the National Park Service (NPS) warns that everyone should keep their distance when encountering these huge animals.
Things to remember if you're attacked by a bear, according to the NPS:
- Brown / Grizzly Bears: If you are being attacked by a brown or grizzly bear, play dead. Lay still on the ground until the bear leaves the area. Do not fight back unless the bear attack persists. Remember to strike the bear in the face to gain the upper hand.
- Black Bears: Do not play dead if you are attacked by a black bear. Run to the nearest building or vehicle that can be locked securely. If you don't have a place to hide to avoid the attack, fight back. With force, punch and kick the bear in the face and muzzle.
The NPS also suggests people who often visit the woods should always bring bear spray.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at Paste BN. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.