Pack all perishable and non-perishable food and beverages in a hard-sided cooler with a locking lid. Wrap the cooler several times with rope and hang the cooler at least 7 feet off the ground in a tree or other high area. If you are not able to suspend the cooler, put it in your locked car trunk where it is not visible to animals. Do not put a cooler on the backseat of your car where it can be viewed or possibly accessed through the windows.
Lock in your cooler or car all toothpaste, perfume or any other sweet-smelling item. Black bears are attracted to spearmint, peppermint, candy and gum and will forage until they find it. Do not keep these items in your tent if you are camping out. This also includes all fruits and sweet-smelling beverages such as fruit juices and soft drinks.
If you have any leftover food after eating at your campsite, put it in your cooler or burn it. Do not leave leftovers around your camp site as they will attract black bears. Lock up all trash or burn it as well. Wash and clean all pots, pans, plates and utensils used during meals. Store your plates and utensils in your car trunk or in your locked cooler.
Purchase fabric softener sheets at the grocery store or discount store and bring them along on your camping trip. Wild creatures including black bears hate the smell of the fabric softener and will stay away from any area where these fabric softener sheets are found. Put them in your food cooler, in your tent, sleeping bag and any other area where you do not want black bears to visit. This will help cover the smell of the food and keep animals away.
