Watch: Black bear helps itself to a trash feast inside a truck in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is known for its tourism, beautiful cabin rentals and bears who sneak up on tourists all the time.

A black bear was caught on camera sneaking a snack from the back of a cleaning crew's truck near a cabin in Gatlinburg on June 22. In the newly posted video, the bear can be seen rummaging through trash bags, going "all the way" inside the gray truck, a witness can be heard saying.

The video, captured by user @cindysparks1, shows the bear almost lose its balance before managing to pull out a big black trash bag.

How to stay safe during an encounter with a bear?

According to the National Park Service, bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous. Their behavior is unpredictable and although rare, attacks can cause serious injuries and even death. When face-to-face with a bear, there is no single strategy which can guarantee safety as each bear and experience is unique. However, there are basic guidelines which can minimize the threat.

The National Parks Service recommends the following:

• Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal.
• Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms.
• Stay calm speak in low tones and don't imitate bear sounds or make high pitched noises.
• Pick up small children immediately. Do not run, make sudden movements or attempt to climb a tree.
• Hike and travel in groups. Groups are intimidating to bears because of their size.
• Make yourselves look as large as possible. For example, move to higher ground.
• Do not allow the bear access to your food and do not drop your pack.
• If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways which will allow you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping.
• Be especially cautious of females with cubs. Never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.
• Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.

Diana Leyva contributed to this story.

Areena Arora, data and investigative reporter for Knox News, can be reached by email at areena.arora@knoxnews.com. Follow her on X @AreenaArora and on Instagram @areena_news.