The black bear is a very intelligent animal with an incredible ability toward learned behavior. If the cooler happens to be stored in plain view inside a vehicle, this is no obstacle for the bear. It may simply remove a window or a door enroute to the cooler. Better yet, the cooler and food items should be secured in a trunk, and all garbage immediately deposited in a bear proof trash can or dumpster. A clean camp is extremely important.
Garbage includes such items as empty cans, paper, food wrappers, bags, etc.
These restrictions do not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption. Dirty, non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed, or else stored as food. Persons found in violation of food storage regulations are subject to prosecution. Park Rangers have confiscated food left unattended and held the items until the owners claimed the food - and were promptly issued a citation. This may sound obvious, but it has happened and the result has been significant injury.