Photo by Boris Batchiyski
Every once in a while, sweet little bear cubs will make their way close to trails. When this happens, it's hard not to take a moment to admire them. Although it is important to be aware of dangerous animals, many time our fears run off of misconceptions.
For example, black bears (the ones most commonly seen in mountainous regions), are omnivorous but 80-90% of their diet is actually vegetarian. And, oftentimes, while warnings against feeding bears are made to protect humans, they're also made to protect bears! Bears can't tell apart the harmful products in your luggage or garbage, such as toiletries. When ingested, these products are detrimental to their health.
Additionally, with the urbanization of even mountain regions, bears are exposed to the fatal dangers of civilization. They fall victim to hunters, accidentally ingest litter, and tend to wander off into the roads where cars may hit them. So, we must be careful. While our wildlife is beautiful to watch, we don't always realize how much of it is endangered.
And, though we ourselves may be frightened, it's interesting to think of a little story my brother told me just the other day about his hike along a Yosemite trail. One of the only hikers on the trail that morning, he was walking along when he heard a rustling noise, a mild woofing and huffing. He turned around to see a large bear, picking around right near him. Initially shocked, he quickened his pace but continued looking back as he muddled forward. The bear continued picking around the brush, aware of his presence, even slightly posed in his direction, but not intending to take any action. He stopped to admire, and watched as the bear slipped away again, pawprints left in the dirt only inches from where his footsteps were imprinted.
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