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'Do Not Push Down A Slower Friend': National Park Service Posts Hilarious Tips On Bears

August 12, 2020

The National Park Service posted a warning about bears with some hilarious advice.

"Please don't run from bears or push your slower friends down in attempts of saving yourself.⁣⁣"

In a recent Facebook post, the NPS mixed a little humor with some sound advice for running into a bear in the wild.

The post continued:

"As a follow-up to a previous post, if you come upon a stationary bear, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Do NOT climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees.⁣⁣ Do NOT push down a slower friend (even if you think the friendship has run its course). ⁣⁣

Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Don’t we all? ⁣⁣Identify yourself by making noise so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Help the bear recognize you as a human. We recommend using your voice. (Waving and showing off your opposable thumb means nothing to the bear) The bear may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, 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 hilarious Facebook post has more than 50,000 shares.