Watch: Bear Opens Car Door, Scares Tourists

by
posted on June 14, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

As most hunters know, a bear's paw isn't built all that differently than a human hand—at least from a bone structure standpoint. This means, as you might imagine, that bruins are capable of using their paws to perform a number of very human-like tasks—such as opening doors. Every so often, you hear about one of the nosy little buggers walking right through unlocked doors. They seem to have even more success with vehicle doors, which one family recently learned the hard way. In a video posted to YouTube last week (and embedded above), a curious black bear opens the passenger door of a car—with a family of tourists still very much inside.

Fortunately, despite the shrieks, no one was hurt. I'd worry that some of the passengers may need a change of pants, though.

The video offers few details as to where and when the incident occurred, though some sources are saying that it was filmed in Yellowstone. The enormous National Park has been in the news a fair bit of late, most recently because of a similar video, which showed a woman being charged by a cow elk after getting too close while trying to take a selfie. With luck, this most recent video will show the uninitiated that no, bears won't be thwarted by car doors.

I've embedded the video above. I'd encourage you to give it a look. Friendly recommendation: turn down the volume before clicking play.

Latest

W H2026 05 Gear Screenshot 2026 01 14 At 3 Garmin Rangefinder
W H2026 05 Gear Screenshot 2026 01 14 At 3 Garmin Rangefinder

Gear Roundup: Tech Savvy Hunting

Looking for the latest in high-tech shooting and hunting gear? Look no further, for some of the most cutting-edge equipment sure to make your next range or field session a breeze.

Updated for 2026: Taurus Judge

It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since Taurus launched its now legendary Judge revolver, which quickly became ubiquitous at hunting camps nationwide. Now, two decades later, the legend returns with upgraded looks and updated features.

#SundayGunday: TNW Firearms ASR LTE

Welcome back, to #SundayGunday. This week, we’re checking out a 9mm, which is not something we do very often is this series, focused as it is on hunters and hunting guns. The TNW Firearms Aero Survival Rifle LTE, however, is not your standard 9mm. While it may not quite be a bonafide hunting rifle, this is a gun designed specifically for those who spend their lives deep in the great outdoors.

Oregon Petition to Ban All Hunting Moves Forward

Animal-rights activists in Oregon have surpassed the required 117,000 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot by submitting more than 126,000 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office in support of Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act), which would ban all hunting and fishing in the state—not to mention ranching and so much more.

First Look: 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak

Looking to upgrade the ballistic performance of your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle? Federal just released a game-changing cartridge—the 6.5 Creedmoor+Peak—that does just that. And the best part is, there is no new rifle required.

Spring Bear Tactics: Why Late is Great!

Looking for tips to nab a late spring bear? Follow along with some tips from Scott Haugen.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.