What would you do upon meeting a 1000-lb adult bear right in the middle of your idyllic stroll in the park? Select one: you’d curl up in a fetal position, you’d run the heck outta there like Forrest Gump (wrong answer!), or you’d sacrifice your friend you've known since high school who is the most annoying brat on the planet.
The US National Park Service is now officially advising against the last (and probably the most tempting) option. In a hilarious Facebook post, the Service shared a detailed PSA on what and what not to do when encountering a bear. From NOT running and NOT climbing a tree to, most importantly, NOT pushing down a slower friend, their advice is both practical and all too funny.
A whopping 52K people on Facebook seem to be loving their sense of humor, but I see it as genuine advice on friendship. ‘Cause even if it has run its course, that doesn’t mean you can say farewell to it and let Mother Nature do her job.
Image credits: National Park Service
The National Park Service is known for being very active on social media, both Facebook and Instagram. With 1,337,047 and 2.8m followers respectively, the Park Service accounts have been praised numerous times for having a great sense of humor.
Matthew Turner, who is the voice behind the funny captions and witty wisdom bites on National Park Service’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, told Bored Panda in an interview that they use a “safety with a smile” approach when it comes to educating people.
The Park Service has previously released this funny poster
“Our goal on social media is to educate people as we welcome them, showcase the best of what the parks have to offer, while also encouraging visitors to recreate responsibly, respect park resources, don’t get too close to wildlife, and take time to enjoy a park,” Matt explained.
But in order to do so, “we often infuse a little 'safety with a smile' as a way to package information in a more engaging and entertaining way.”
This is precisely what the public might not expect from a government agency, but Matt is convinced that “it grabs their attention and gets them thinking.”
And it's not the first time they've said friendship is the most important
Image credits: National Park Service
When it comes to encountering a bear, visitors should be prepared for potential encounters with wildlife no matter where they go.
Matt explained: “While seeing a bear, bison, moose, or any animal in the wild is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that wildlife in parks are wild and can be dangerous.”
Most wild animals’ behavior is unpredictable and although rare, attacks on humans have occurred. “Being vigilant and knowing what to do in such encounters is the most important thing to remember,” concluded Matt.
And many seemed to love their sense of humor
The witty social media specialist also invites readers to check out more general bear tips right here and take a look at NPS’s collection of safety graphics with their signature sense of humor.
So the next time you see a bear, bear with the Park Service. Because nobody wants you to get harmed while taking a pitch-perfect shot of the wild bear’s snout.