You are here

How To Avoid A Bear Attack in the Great Outdoors, The Cartoon

Share

Published Date

July 14, 2009

Sometimes humor is the best approach, wouldn't you agree? That's the approach the folks at Howcast Studios took with their playful video, "How to Avoid a Bear Attack."

Over the years we've had more than a few stories about protecting yourself against bear attacks in the national parks. And we've even offered an educational video from the folks at Glacier National Park on how to hike in bear country.

Just the other day I ran across the following video that takes a cartoonish approach to outlining the keys to staying safe in bear country. While I'm not sure about step 6, which mentions whacking the bruin on the nose to chase him off, the other steps are all on message, as they say.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Well, that appeared to be a black bear. I'm confident that 99.9% of the time a punch to the nose of a grizzly will get your "head ripped off." Funny video.


With just a lttle work this could not only be a very funny video, but very accurate and a useful teaching tool. As head of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Information & Education Committee I would love to work with whoever made this to create another version that is totally accurate.


@ Gregg: The animation was made by Randy Boyum of Denver, CO. You can reach him at: RandomAnimation(at)aol(dot)com


When I was in Alaska last year, we saw several grizzlies (called "brown bears" up there). Our guide said that he often had to "holler at them" and "whack them over the head" to get them to leave the fishermen alone. He said, "you just need to treat them like a big dog." I thought that sounded like a foolish way to handle savage, man-eating carnivores, but he said it worked. Maybe the punch to the nose isn't all that bad an idea.


Maybe so, Fred, but I'm not sure I'd want to get close enough to a bear -- black, brown, grizzly, or polar -- to smack it on the nose!


Anyone who advocates "wacking" a bear is wacko. I do not think of brown bears as "savage, man-eating carnivores" but I have a great deal of respect for their potential to do some serious harm when they feel threatened. Your guide is an example of the arrogance and ignorance that can lead to tragic results to both bears and humans.


If he keeps treating them "like a big dog", sooner or later one of them is going to treat him like a disposable chew toy.


Hello,

The information in this video is unfortunately not inline with what is recommended by the international bear behaviourist community.  Please refer to the Staying Safe in Bear Country video and consider either redoing this video or a disclaimer that the information is not correct, but rather a joke video.  Many of us in the environmental education industry are working hard to create consistent messaging.  Other great resources for this would be Parks Canada and wildsmart.ca 

Thank you for considering my request.

Kim Titchener
Program Director
Bow Valley WildSmart Community Program


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.