People Want to Get Close to Nature, but They Don’t Weigh the Risks

It’s a tragedy for everyone involved

I saw the news story about the couple and their dog who were eaten by a grizzly bear in Banff Canada. I thought about the time when I was young.

My dad received orders to go to Anchorage Alaska. We were in Mississippi at the time. We packed up the car and camper and hit the road.

My parents had a camera with them at all times

I don’t remember a whole lot, I was in first through third grade. I do remember the wildlife. It wasn’t uncommon to see moose on the base.

The scenery was beautiful, and the wildlife was everywhere. My parents carried a camera with them at all times. My dad took a lot of up close and personal photos of moose.

Hiking and camping are fun, but people need to be careful

The bear attack in Banff saddened me. My parents raised me to appreciate nature and to love and respect animals. I understand the allure of camping and hiking in wild places.

Getting out and exploring nature is a good thing. People have to be careful though. I was watching a show on TV. It was one of those, “ When Animals Attack,” type programs.

It seems like that would be a “Dinner Bell” for a hungry bear

There was a segment about a bear attack. They Interviewed an “Expert,” He suggested playing loud music and talking loud. He said that would scare the bear off.

The expert’s point was that bears don’t want to encounter humans. I don’t know if that’s true. Bears are omnivores, by definition bears will eat anything.

It was an easy meal, nothing more, nothing less

An unarmed couple and their dog were an easy snack. I don’t blame the bear, and I don’t blame the victims. When we drove from Mississippi to Alaska, we camped out.

We saw bears and moose along the way, but we didn’t get too close. We also didn’t hike deep into the forest. Campers need to be respectful.

I feel for the loved ones of the victims. I can’t imagine the pain. I also feel bad for the bear. I’m sure the Wildlife control people will hunt it down.

Final Thought:

In our crowded and tech-saturated world. Getting close to nature to escape the noise is understandable. We need to do it to stay sane, but we need to be careful as well.

There is beauty in nature, but there are also creatures that see us as food, or as a threat. So, be careful and carry a high-caliber weapon. Say a prayer for the families of the victims.