A popular TikTok trend has women responding to the question of whether they would rather be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear. The trend began with a video in which only one out of eight women chose to be stuck with a man, while the rest opted for a bear, stating that men are scary. The trend has sparked a discussion about why women feel safer with bears than with men in the woods, with some stating that being attacked by a bear would be more believable than being attacked by a man. This trend has garnered attention on social media platforms as women share their reasons for choosing bears over men in this hypothetical scenario.
The National Park Service advises people to stay calm if they come across a bear in the woods, as most bears do not want to attack humans. However, it is important for people to know how to react and stay safe in such encounters. While bear attacks are rare, it is crucial to be prepared and have a plan in place while hiking through bear country. The USDA Forest Service recommends being aware of surroundings, avoiding headphones, making noise, and carrying bear spray as precautionary measures while hiking.
Hikers are advised to be cautious while hiking through bear country and to maintain a safe distance if they encounter a bear. It is important not to block a bear’s travel route and avoid going near bear cubs as their mother could be nearby. There are three species of bears in the United States: black bears, grizzly bears, and polar bears. Each species requires different reactions in case of an attack, with instructions such as fighting back against black bears and playing dead when attacked by grizzly bears.
In the event of a bear charge, hikers are advised to follow specific guidelines based on the species of bear charging at them. A rhyme is provided to help hikers remember the appropriate response – “Black, fight back; brown, lay down; white, goodnight.” The guidelines for responding to bear charges vary based on the species, with techniques including fighting back against black bears and playing dead when attacked by grizzly bears. Polar bears, although not found in the continental United States, are known for being the largest and most aggressive bear species, with specific tips for dealing with attacks based on their behavior.
The National Park Service emphasizes that preparedness is key to staying safe in bear encounters and recommends checking local recommendations for each park visited. Additionally, it is important to have a plan in place for encountering people unexpectedly in the woods, as well as avoiding distractions and alerting someone of a planned itinerary. By following safety guidelines, staying on marked trails, and developing emergency plans before heading out into the woods, hikers can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Overall, understanding how to react in encounters with bears and being prepared for unexpected situations while hiking can help ensure a safe outdoor adventure.
