I laughed so hard when I read this because apparently, it’s not common sense lol!
The National Park Service is reminding people to not push your ‘slower friend’ down when running from bears and I have so many questions…
For starters, how many times did this happen for the National Park Service to have to issue this statement to begin with? Probably way too many lol!
Yes, I’m aware it’s likely a joke but still…
The National Park Service took to Twitter to share the friendly reminder saying:
If you come across a bear, never push a slower friend down…even if you feel the friendship has run its course.??
They then followed up with another tweet saying:
If not friend, why friend shaped? What about your other friend? Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park. While it is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous.
While that is funny, in all seriousness, the NPS shared tips on what you SHOULD do if you are ever in the presence of a bear in the wild.
For starters, make sure you check with the area you are visiting for up to date information on bears in the area.
Then, here are some helpful tips:
- 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. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
- Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woo?ng, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won’t be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
- Pick up small children immediately. Do not make any loud noises or screams—the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal. Slowly wave your arms above your head and tell the bear to back off. Do NOT run or make any sudden movements. Do not make any loud noises or screams—the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal.
- Hike and travel in groups. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.
- Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
You can read the rest of the National Park Service’s Bear Tips here.
And remember, never push your ‘slow friend’ to the ground! Stay safe out there!
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