Black bear caught on camera in West Virginia school dumpster.

Black bears are more likely to come into contact with humans than grizzly and polar bears, and dumpsters containing food are an ideal spot for them. Wildlife experts advise people not to run if they encounter a bear, but to back away slowly, give the bear space, talk calmly, and make themselves look big. Bear-resistant garbage bins made of metal and with clips to keep doors securely closed are common in campgrounds and parks where bears are more likely to roam. Ultimately, having safer storage containers helps protect the bears themselves, as many are killed in these types of encounters.