Parking lots as easy pickings 

As the big thaw begins and hibernation for business travelers and bears ends, it's that time of year when we take to the wilds and pursue our well-earned leisure time. (Work with me here.) And with that circuitous intro, I bring you my PSA for the upcoming camping season. If you should go in the woods today...

When Yogi and Boo Boo roamed the woods, a bear’s life was simple: Secure an unattended “pic-a-nic” basket, elude Ranger Smith, and then take a nap. Their modern-day counterparts are discovering that foraging for gourmet goodies at National Parks is a bit more challenging these days. But like Yogi and Boo Boo, being “smarter than the average bear” helps. Today’s park bear is a forager of noted intelligence. Why scrape the backcountry for grubs and berries when a food locker called a car is available in any parking lot.

Where you see a car, a bear beholds a bento box. A National Park Service study revealed bears could discern between makes and models, preferring Hondas and Toyotas as lunchboxes of choice due to ease of break-in. (A Miata is the car equivalent of brown-bagging it.) Take the advice of the rangers the next time you go camping. Put all food items in the campground’s bear-proof boxes or store properly.  If your food is improperly stored, it may be confiscated (by equally adept rangers) and a $50 fine may be issued to protect visitors, property and bears.