Don’t push friends down to save yourself in bear encounter, National Park Service says
This undated photograph provided by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in July 2019 shows a bear. Wildlife officials say reports of bears coming down from the mountains and rummaging through backyard and campgrounds throughout Utah have more than doubled this in 2019. Faith Jolley with the Division of Wildlife Resources said Wednesday, July 17, 2019, her agency has already received more than 25 reports of black bears getting into trash cans and camp sites, mostly in central Utah. In 2018 the DWR recorded 27 total bear encounters. None have resulted in serious injury. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, via AP)
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WASHINGTON (WTAJ/News Nation) — The National Park Service shared advice on what to do if you are confronted by a bear: don’t push your slower friends down in an attempt to save yourself.
In a Facebook post, the NPS said, “do NOT push down a slower friend (even if you think the friendship has run its course).”
Some applicable tips that don’t put your hiking partner in jeopardy include moving away slowly and sideways. This strategy allows you to move away in a non-threatening way and keep an eye on the bear, according to the NPS.
The NPS said that like dogs, bears will chase fleeing animals. NPS advised you should not run or climb a tree to try and evade the bear as black bears and grizzlies can climb trees. If the bear follows you, stand and hold your ground.
Staying calm is the most important thing when dealing with a bear. The NPS suggests you identify yourself as a human by making noise as a way to let the bear know that you are not a prey animal.
Bears may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. However, the NPS said that a standing bear is usually curious and not threatening.
“P.S. We apologize to any ‘friends’ who were brought on a hike as the ‘bait’ or were sacrificed to save the group. You will be missed,” the NPS quipped.
