Bears are teaching their young that humans = available food nearby. We call these bears " garbage bears". They break into garbage cans, and often chew on any containers they find. A bear chewed on my chainsaw's 2 stroke fuel oil can, causing oil to leak out. They've destroyed boxes of stuff with no food inside, they make a huge mess. The moment they smell food, they make note and wait for a time of no human activity, then raid. I've cooked outside in the forest where I live (Lake Tahoe vicinity), go inside after eating, come back out and have seen bears running away. It's unusual for you to see them, because they know how to hide. But they are accustomed to people not being out at night, like I am. They're confused by me. Especially if you've got night vision, and chase them away, they will keep stopping and turning to look at you, it's a weird feeling. Wolves do that too. But yes, bears around camp sites and rural homes often go for the easy food, garbage. Then teach their young. It's no Bueno.
