The National Park Service (NPS) has recently warned people against sacrificing their slow friends in the case of a bear attack.
Now, taking a nice hike out at a national park is an activity that a lot of people tend to enjoy; the fresh air, the exercise, and the feeling of being at one with nature, you just can't beat it.
While it might be a generally pleasant experience, it's important to remember that we share the space with potentially dangerous wild animals and in that case, there are several things you can do to make sure you and your loved ones are as safe as possible.
When faced with wild bears in particular, experts at the National Park Service urge the public to remain calm and read the situation before doing anything drastic.
But, as the old joke goes: "I don't have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun you."
However, now the NPS is looking out for those people that are lacking in athletic ability, recently issuing a statement on Twitter telling people not to "push a slower friend down" in the face of an attack.
"If you come across a bear, never push a slower friend down…even if you feel the friendship has run its course," they urged to millions of followers.
In the replies, they continued: "Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park. While it is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous."
Of course, hundreds of Twitter users couldn't help but play into the peculiar advice.
"Well now it’s awkward," wrote Diedrich Bader, to which another user replied: "From this point forward…whatever happened before this notice is…well, it’s forgotten."
Yikes.
Another user also commented writing: "What if your friend is Usain Bolt? Do you never venture into the woods?"
And this Twitter user hilariously responded with: "Looks like my slower friend got control of the @NatlParkService twitter account again."
But what should you do in the case of a bear encounter?
"Every encounter is different." the service states. "Bears exhibit different kinds of behaviors during different situations, and understanding the bear’s behavior can make the difference between life and death."
And it's important to assess what type of animal you've encountered so you know the appropriate response.
"If a black bear charges and attacks you, FIGHT BACK WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE! Do not play dead," the advice continued. "Direct punches and kicks at the bear’s face, and use any weapon like rocks, branches, or bear spray to defend yourself."
As for a grizzly or brown bear, the opposite is recommended: "PLAY DEAD. Do not fight back! Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms... Stay still and don’t make any noise—you’re trying to convince the bear that you aren’t a threat to it or its cubs. Do not get up right away because the bear may still be in the area. Wait several minutes until you are sure that the bear is gone."
The tweet comes just ahead of the spring season, when more people will be out in National Parks so if you're planning on a visit, make sure to take heed of all the advice given.
And please, whatever you do, do not use your athletically inept friends as bear bait. Thank you.
