A bear was caught scratching itself on a sign at Denali National Park in Alaska, delighting wildlife enthusiasts. The park reminded visitors that bears are dangerous animals and must be observed from a safe distance. Park regulations require visitors to stay 300 yards away from bears on foot and 25 yards away from bears in a car. The park also advised that if an animal alters its behavior due to human presence, it means the observer is too close.
If encountering a bear, the National Park Service recommends remaining calm, identifying yourself as a human, picking up small children, making yourself appear large, and not allowing the bear access to food. It is important not to drop your pack, move away slowly if the bear is stationary, and avoid running or climbing a tree. If dealing with a black bear attack, do not play dead; instead, attempt to escape or fight back by focusing on the bear’s face and muzzle. In the case of a brown bear attack, play dead by laying on your stomach with legs spread and hands behind your head. If the attack continues, vigorously fight back. These tips are crucial to ensuring safety when encountering bears in the wild.
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