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Woman Banned From Annual Camping Trip After “Honest Mistake” Nearly Cost Friends’ Lives
Even though majestic, nature can be scary at times. Therefore, it’s important to be careful and aware of the potential dangers one might face, especially when stepping foot in the wilderness. After all, the chances of getting attacked by a bear are slim, but never zero.
Unfortunately, for this group of campers, this innocent meme almost became a reality when, during their hike, they came face-to-face with a grizzly. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue for them, but a new person in the group suddenly made matters much worse after she started screaming and running away from it. Such behavior not only endangered everyone’s lives but also uninvited her from any upcoming camping trip.
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Even though majestic, nature can be dangerous at times
Image credits: PNW Production / Pexels (not the actual photo)
However, this woman completely ignored it, endangering her friends
Image credits: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Alex Green / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: No-Pay-5094
Around 40 people are attacked by bears each year in North America, with 5 of them being fatal
Fortunately, the chance of encountering a bear, at least in the US, is relatively low. That said, their immense size, strength, and occasionally unpredictable behavior can pose significant risks, especially when venturing into their natural habitats. According to Gitnux data, around 40 people are attacked by them each year in North America, with approximately 5 of them being fatal.
One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting bear territories is setting up camps in the wrong spot. It’s usually unsafe to stay close to the same trails and roads these animals use. So before choosing a spot to dwell in, the campers should check the area for any bear activity like their tracks, droppings, rubbed and claw-marked trees, berry bushes, or torn apart rotting stumps and logs (they enjoy looking for yummy treats). It’s also advised to camp in open areas, away from any cover for bears.
Another rookie oversight is leaving food in tents or near them. These animals have a sensitive sense of smell—2100 times better than humans and 7 times better than bloodhounds and won’t pass up an opportunity to have an easy meal. When they learn that they can find yummy snacks in tents, they will start associating humans with a source of sustenance. Therefore, any edible items should be stored away from the shelter, ideally in a bear-proof box or a vehicle, so campers have more time to evacuate when a bear comes looking for a midnight pick-me-up.
An additional wrongdoing is being too quiet. People should make a lot of noise while hiking, sing loudly, or clap their hands frequently to give plenty of time for the bear to avoid them. It’s also advised to hike in groups of three people, as they are usually noisier and smellier than a single individual. This can help the animals sense them from a greater distance. Meanwhile, their size appears more intimidating to them. Thankfully, these animals are usually afraid of humans and just want to be on their merry way. The tips above should help campers steer clear of the majestic creatures instead of coming face-to-face with them.
When an encounter does happen, it’s best to remain calm and collected
When an encounter does happen, it’s best to remain calm and collected. Even though screaming or running might come as a first instinct when faced with the animal, sudden loud sounds can startle it, causing it to act defensively. Instead, try keeping your voice and movements composed, backing away slowly, and avoiding eye contact. Climbing a tree is another no-go, as is trying to approach them closer to take photos. If possible, be prepared to leave the area and perhaps save camping or hiking for another day.
Bear spray should also be taken seriously by campers, as it can be pretty handy when encountering a bear. Unfortunately, not all people take the time to educate themselves on it before coming to the wilderness. Therefore, it’s a good idea to learn how to use and carry it.
Try keeping it in an easily accessible place, like your belt, as it won’t do any good at the bottom of your backpack. In the time of need, slowly pull it out and remove the safety lock. It’s a pepper concoction designated to stop the bear from charging toward you, causing temporary irritation in the eyes and the upper respiratory tract.
Just keep in mind that picking a fight unless your personal safety is at risk isn’t worth it. If a curious bear is sniffing around and knocks some stuff over, it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. Or if a frustrated bear is tearing up your hammock, it’s not an item that can’t be repurchased. Respecting wildlife and learning more about it can help people enjoy bear country safely and minimize animal-human conflict.
The author provided more information in the comments
The fact that the friend endangered everyone’s lives didn’t sit right with the readers
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What do you think ?
Marno C. 8 months ago
A different take: Agreed that the GF was foolish and endangered herself and others. But, the bear was just being a bear doing bear things in a bear area. If things had gone to plan, it would have ambled on and everyone would have been fine. BUT GF agitated the bear, arousing its own 'fight or flight' instincts. As a result, OP had to harm there bear (albeit temporarily) to defend a group which otherwise wouldn't have needed defending. Thus, through her foolishness, GF caused a wild animal to come to harm and suffering. That is big time AH behavior.
Marcellus II 7 months ago
... and if the spray hadn't worked/ they were a bit more separated, the bear would have mauled GF (100% good!) --- making it a 'known killer' and requiring it to be euthanised. For doing 100% foreseen bear things. Poor bear. Husband TA for not speaking the truth when it's the easiest thing to do.
Load More Replies...
Melissa Harris 8 months ago (edited)
I can't believe the OP and her husband could stand to be around someone that nearly got them killed afterwards. I'd have blown up right there and informed 'Alex' that I'm not a babysitter. Also, 'Alex' should have been the one to give his GF the safety briefing before they left. He probably knew she'd blow him off and be immature about it and was banking on probability of not running into a bear or other dangerous animal being on their side. Personally I hate immature people like this. It's like dealing with a toddler; except toddlers grow up.
FreeTheUnicorn 8 months ago
But seriously, a grown woman screamed and ran? I wouldn't want to hang out with her in the front country either. A short noise is surprised is one thing, but screaming dramatically is a reinforced response. Actual involuntary surprise response last less than a second. The rest is how you've conditioned yourself to react. That's a quick noise and at most two steps. But people who have cultivated a scream and big movement, like the drama and like to be the center of attention when startled. Some people don't mind this, but I find this tiresome. Also I will mention I led trips for kids and adults in bear country for more than a decade and never had anyone react this dramatically, even teens. It may not have been her putting on a show, but it's her conditioned response to put on a show when startled. The fact that she's not addressed this as a big deal or even reached out is bad expedition/teammate behavior and I wouldn't trust her.
Secret Squirrel 7 months ago
Yes! Exactly this! A reaction in the moment is just what you've practiced doing until its second nature. That's how you can hit a curve ball, or brake when something is in the road, but not comfortably the first time. You're better at it the more you do it. Reacting to any sort of danger or surprise, there's an initial shock and then the rest is how you've practiced. Are you calm or do you draw maximum attention to yourself? It reveals a lot about what a person has cultivated in themselves.
Load More Replies... Marno C. 8 months ago
A different take: Agreed that the GF was foolish and endangered herself and others. But, the bear was just being a bear doing bear things in a bear area. If things had gone to plan, it would have ambled on and everyone would have been fine. BUT GF agitated the bear, arousing its own 'fight or flight' instincts. As a result, OP had to harm there bear (albeit temporarily) to defend a group which otherwise wouldn't have needed defending. Thus, through her foolishness, GF caused a wild animal to come to harm and suffering. That is big time AH behavior.
Marcellus II 7 months ago
... and if the spray hadn't worked/ they were a bit more separated, the bear would have mauled GF (100% good!) --- making it a 'known killer' and requiring it to be euthanised. For doing 100% foreseen bear things. Poor bear. Husband TA for not speaking the truth when it's the easiest thing to do.
Load More Replies... Melissa Harris 8 months ago (edited)
I can't believe the OP and her husband could stand to be around someone that nearly got them killed afterwards. I'd have blown up right there and informed 'Alex' that I'm not a babysitter. Also, 'Alex' should have been the one to give his GF the safety briefing before they left. He probably knew she'd blow him off and be immature about it and was banking on probability of not running into a bear or other dangerous animal being on their side. Personally I hate immature people like this. It's like dealing with a toddler; except toddlers grow up.
FreeTheUnicorn 8 months ago
But seriously, a grown woman screamed and ran? I wouldn't want to hang out with her in the front country either. A short noise is surprised is one thing, but screaming dramatically is a reinforced response. Actual involuntary surprise response last less than a second. The rest is how you've conditioned yourself to react. That's a quick noise and at most two steps. But people who have cultivated a scream and big movement, like the drama and like to be the center of attention when startled. Some people don't mind this, but I find this tiresome. Also I will mention I led trips for kids and adults in bear country for more than a decade and never had anyone react this dramatically, even teens. It may not have been her putting on a show, but it's her conditioned response to put on a show when startled. The fact that she's not addressed this as a big deal or even reached out is bad expedition/teammate behavior and I wouldn't trust her.
Secret Squirrel 7 months ago
Yes! Exactly this! A reaction in the moment is just what you've practiced doing until its second nature. That's how you can hit a curve ball, or brake when something is in the road, but not comfortably the first time. You're better at it the more you do it. Reacting to any sort of danger or surprise, there's an initial shock and then the rest is how you've practiced. Are you calm or do you draw maximum attention to yourself? It reveals a lot about what a person has cultivated in themselves.
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