Bears Destroy Mock Campsite, Lone Cooler Survives

by
posted on March 19, 2014
** 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. **

Few outdoorsmen and women would ever be naive enough to doubt the capabilities of an adult grizzly, but there's still a formidable gap between imagining what the bears can do and actually seeing it. The folks at ZooMontana decided that the world at large could use a refresher on just how much damage a hungry bear might do, and figured there was only one way to really get the message across: Let a couple of grizzlies go to town on a mock campsite.

According to The Billings Gazette, ZooMontana sic a pair of its grizzly bears—Bruno and Ozzy, respectively—on a faux campsite that the staff had put together. A tent, sleeping bags, a garbage can, some chairs and a collection of coolers—about what you'd expect at your average American campsite—were mocked up and sealed in an enclosure with the duo. Bear kibble, fruit and peanut butter (the latter two of which, again, would be found in just about any real campsite) were placed inside the food containers as incentive, and the big grizzlies wasted no time in getting to work.

Through a combination of brute force and a little persistence, the bears tore the example site to shreds in short order. Only one piece of gear survived the assault: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Cooler by Grizzly Coolers. The heavy-duty unit is built to withstand the worst, and it showed. The cooler's double-wall construction was challenged by each bear, in turn. It was a little worse for the wear by the time each grizzly had given up, but it didn't open or break. That's durability.

Get a closer look at the staged carnage in the video embedded below.

Latest

W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028
W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Green Dot

Purpose-built for turkey hunting and wingshooting, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot line now adds a green reticle option for those who prefer it in certain lighting and shooting conditions.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.