Spectra Lines on steel cables

On some climbing equipment (e.g. Metolius brand cams), a spectra sling is sewn in a loop around a steel cable loop. When this equipment is tested to failure, the spectra sling cuts through the steel wire. I don't think you'll have problems.

Didn't realize it was that strong.

Spectra has a low melting point. Running the spectra over the steel cable could heat up the steel cable, then melting the spectra. Possibly, depends on how fast the line is drawn over the cable. You should be fine, as long as the weight of your food bag doesn't approach the strength of the line.

If it was the other way around, the spectra would be cut very quickly. I remember a demonstration at a climbing skills weekend; a climbing rope was threaded through a spectra sling, then sawed through. The sling melted through very quickly. That's why you should always use carabiners, and never run the rope though a sling (unless you are double strand repelling and plan on leaving the sling behind).

The failure test of climbing equipment is not a good comparison, unless you plan on using spectra line so strong as to support the weight of the bear. I doubt that.

Steve