Posted: 7/19/2007 6:14:43 AM EDT
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This is an email I got yesterday: All, The bear has been spotted again. Please take the precautionary measures to prevent any incident. A little Bear Sense: 1. Although black bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans, it's important to remember that bears must be respected for their size and strength. 2. Do not deliberately approach a bear or try to become chummy with one, especially one that appears unafraid of you. 3. Be smart: Keep your distance. 4. Bear attacks are extremely rare, especially considering how often people encounter them. 5. In most cases, a bear will detect you first and leave the area long before you'll ever see it. 6. IF you do meet a bear before it's had time to leave, here are some suggestions. - Stay calm-If you see a bear and it hasn't seen you, leave the area calmly. While moving away, talk to help the bear discover your presence. - Get back-If you have a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear. - Avoid direct eye contact, which a bear may perceive as a threat. - Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Wild bears rarely attack people unless they feel threatened or provoked. - If you're on a trail, step off on the downhill side and slowly leave the area. Don't climb or run-If a cub is nearby, try to move away from it. - Never climb a tree to escape. Stay on the ground and don't make any sudden movements. Running may prompt the bear to give chase; nobody can outrun a bear. - Pay attention-Bears will use all of their senses to figure out what you are. If they recognize you as a person, some may stand upright or move closer in their efforts to detect odors in the air currents. Don't consider this a sign of aggression. Once a bear identifies you, it will usually leave. Please ride the bus or walk in a group to your vehicle until this issue is resolved. Thank you, The Security Office |
