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| Bear Selfies are raising concerns about safety on the CDT |
On August 28th, 2015, Waterton Canyon, a popular park in Denver, Colorado, was closed due in part to problems with Bear Selfies. And recently, the U.S. Forest Service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has issued warnings regarding Bear Selfies, noting that “it is presenting a safety issue. We are afraid someone is going to get attacked.”
And now "Bear Selfies" are becoming an issue on the Continental Divide Trail.
In the past, encounters with Grizzlies along the CDT in Wyoming and Montana have been rare, and photos few and far between. But that’s changed recently, and the proof is appearing on social media.
“I get out on the CDT a lot and yeah, they’re showing up, getting some hikers in the background, snapping a few shots,” says hiker Paul “Mags” Magnanti, “I have no idea why they think this is a good idea. It’s weird. Really, really weird.”
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| Bears taking selfies have been spotted as far south as the Wind River Range |
Weird perhaps, but definitely dangerous, according to CDTC Trail Information Assistant Liz Thomas:
“The fact that these bears are comfortable enough around humans to not only approach that close but to turn their backs on them? These are bears that have become dangerously habituated to humans. And Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.”
Despite multiple warnings issued by the Forest Service, the bears continue to put themselves in dangerous situations. “Honestly, you can warn the bears all you want about the possibility of serious injury or death if they get too close,” says spokesperson Scott Glenn, “but ultimately it doesn’t seem to matter. They’re going to do whatever they want, because they’re bears.
Also, it turns out they apparently don’t understand English and can't read signs.”
When asked about the possibility of closing the trail, CDTC Managing Director Teresa Martinez noted, “attempting to close the entire trail in two states would be a logistical nightmare and a last resort, and we’re really hoping the bears will just wise up and knock it off. In the meantime, we’re honestly trying to figure out how bears this dumb could afford smart phones and selfie sticks.”
Note: As usual, the names are real but the quotes are fake. Thanks to all those who gave me permission to use their names for these articles!
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| A bear violating the number one safety rule for animals: NEVER turn your back on humans |
Also, it turns out they apparently don’t understand English and can't read signs.”
When asked about the possibility of closing the trail, CDTC Managing Director Teresa Martinez noted, “attempting to close the entire trail in two states would be a logistical nightmare and a last resort, and we’re really hoping the bears will just wise up and knock it off. In the meantime, we’re honestly trying to figure out how bears this dumb could afford smart phones and selfie sticks.”
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| At least they're not Bear Instagram Food Photos. Yet. |
Note: As usual, the names are real but the quotes are fake. Thanks to all those who gave me permission to use their names for these articles!
I'm a little disturbed that this article doesn't address privacy concerns. These wanton selfies could impact the bears' future employment possibilities, not to mention the rampant spying done by the NSA. The bears need to realize that, while fraternizing with humans might be socially acceptable now, posting these photos on social media could put them at risk under a more totalitarian government.
ReplyDeleteI hope they keep their Electronic Frontier Foundation memberships up to date!
- Drop Dead
LOL
ReplyDeleteA humorous way to start off the day - thanks!
ReplyDeleteSheesh, clearly these bears no nothing about safety! Bears could be attacked by humans at any time. If I was one of those bears, I would slowly back away and try not to be seen
ReplyDelete