The National Park Service is sharing a few tips for staying safe around bears. (Jake Bortscheller via National Park Service)
Officials with the National Park Service are using a little humor while sharing a few bear safety tips.
The National Park Service shared on its social media this week that “If you come across a bear, never push a slower friend down… even if you feel the friendship has run its course.”
Officials said when spring arrives, officially on March 20, and snow begins to melt at parks around the country, many bears are expected to become more active.
According to the park service, seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor and while it is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous.
Officials said bears’ behavior can be unpredictable sometimes, and although rare, attacks on humans have occurred.
“Following some basic guidelines may help to lessen the threat of danger,” the park service shared. “Your safety can depend on your ability to calm the bear.”
Keeping your distance and not surprising bears are some of the most important things park visitors can do, officials said. And most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming.
The park service advises visitors to pay attention to their surroundings and to make a special effort to be noticed if they are in an area with known bear activity or a good food source, such as berry bushes.