Bare Bear

Submitted by ub on

Why don’t bears wear socks? Because they prefer bare feet. Check out these tracks in Bartlett Cove at Glacier Bay National Park

Even in winter, always be Beary careful and aware when traveling anywhere throughout the bear country. Bears don’t follow a dress code.

If you happen upon a bear crossing the road, identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Asking the bear why it’s crossing the road should suffice. If it answers, because it was the chicken’s day off, the bear has discovered dad jokes. Be careful. 

Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Show off your opposable thumbs so the bear recognizes 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. “Really, Smokey The Bear with a hat?” Adding judgemental to the list. 

Stay calm and remember that most bears don’t want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Don’t we all? Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter, or an office potluck, by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back.

Pick up small children immediately. Do this first, unless they have been acting up and you’re trying to send a message. Again, slowly wave your arms above your head and tell the bear to back off. Or have the child do it so you don’t drop them. Makes more sense. And whatever else you care to do, don’t cross the double yellow line.

Find more bear safety tips at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

NPS Image  https://www.nps.gov/index.htm