HUMAN CHRONICLES 45 Niharika Nayak Bears are not cuddly, teddylike beings waiting to be petted. These are untamed creatures possessing an acute sense of smell and an even greater sense of displeasure, particularly towards humans. continued ... Ah Banff! The picturesque Canadian haven where the mountains touch the sky, the lakes are bluer than a smurf convention, and tourists are constantly trying to mingle with bears. Yes, you read that right. Bears. The noble, somewhat terrifying residents of this beautiful national park. Whether you’re a city dweller who considers a “bear” to be just a large dog or an experienced hiker, it’s imperative to understand how to safely observe these amazing animals. So, grab your bear spray, cling onto your sanity, and let’s dive into the art of safe bear-spotting in Banff. The Bear Necessities First, let’s get one thing straight: bears are not cuddly, teddy-like beings waiting to be petted. These are untamed creatures possessing an acute sense of smell and an even greater sense of displeasure, particularly towards humans. The best advice for observing bears is straightforward: remain in your car. If you see a bear while you’re in your vehicle, great! You’ve already mastered the first step! If you’re out of your car, well, you’ve probably already flunked. Bears on the Loose Bears have a tendency to appear when least anticipated, much like teenagers. Imagine you’re enjoying a lovely hike when suddenly, you spot a bear. What should you do? According to park guidelines and common sense, the answer is: don’t run. Running triggers their predator instincts, and you don’t want to be a not-so-cuddly teddy bear’s picnic. This is your opportunity to perform those amateur theater tricks you were never able to put to use. Dogs: The Unexpected Bear Bait Bears hate dogs. Yes, man’s best friend is a bear’s worst enemy. There’s a story of a woman hiking near Jasper with her little dog on a leash. The bear charged, the dog freaked out, and then managed to break free and run. The bear, bless its heart, decided to chase the dog instead, completely ignoring the woman. The moral of the story? If you must hike with your dog, make sure it’s not the yappy kind
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