DailyExpertNews
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The National Park Service has some very important tips for what not to do if you—and a friend—encounter a bear in the wild.
“If you meet a bear, never push down a slower friend,” the agency wrote on Twitter on Tuesday“even if you feel like the friendship has run its course.”
The agency used the light-hearted joke as a stepping stone to more serious bear safety tips.
“Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park,” the agency wrote in another tweet. “Although it’s an exciting moment, it’s important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous.”
Bears of different species make their homes in different habitats across the United States. Brown or grizzly bears can be found in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington, while black bears can be found in most of the Northeast, Appalachian Mountains, and the West Coast, in addition to parts of the South and Midwest.
The service points out that as spring approaches, bears will become more active. On their website, the National Park Service advises visitors who encounter a bear to keep their distance from the animal and not to surprise the bear if it hasn’t already spotted you. If the bear notices you, you should “identify” yourself as a human by standing still, speaking calmly, and waving your arms. Hikers should also travel in groups if possible.
The website also notes that bear attacks are rare, but can happen.
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On Twitter, users seemed more interested in seeking further friendship advice from the National Park Service than learning more about bear safety.
For example, one user asked what they should do “if they consider me a friend, but I just consider them an acquaintance.”
Friendships are special, but they don’t happen by accident replied. “It takes effort and trust to build a lasting friendship. Good luck.”
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