It’s summer and that means a lot of people are heading to the wilderness for some R-and-R. Now comes this timely advice from the National Park Service people, who obviously have good information along with a well developed sense of humor: “Please don’t run from bears or push your slower friends down in attempts to save yourself.” For more timely tips, check out the link here.
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If you come upon a stationary bear, move away slowly and sideways. This allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. Do NOT run. But if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Do NOT climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees. Do NOT push down a slower friend – even if you think the friendship has run its course…Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you. They usually just want to be left alone. Don’t we all? Identify yourself by making noise so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. To help the bear recognize you as a human, we recommend using your voice. Waving and showing off your opposable thumb means nothing to the bear. The bear may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
P.S. We apologize to any “friends” brought on a hike as bait, or who were sacrificed to save the group. You will be missed.
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For everyone else? Happy R and R!
See more NPS humor, here.
I don’t have to run fast, just faster than you….
And of course, the classic – how do you tell the difference between brown and black bear scat? The brown bear scat has bear bells in it and smells like pepper spray.