B is for Bears and IWSG

Count down 45 days until departure for the Alaskan Adventure!  

From Wikipedia Commons

I’ve always been a chicken when it comes to wild animals that can eat me.  And bears seem quite a bit higher than me on the food chain. As we make our way across the U.S. and Canada and then into Alaska, we will be driving right through the heart of bear country.  

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game website says that Alaska is so special because all three species of bear flourish there. Brown, black and polar bears.  Yay!  It goes on to state, “Even if you don’t see one, you will never be far from them.” Oh even better!  

Of course the stats on actual attacks are low and deaths occur rarely but I know as we are out hiking, my imagination will run as wild as the surroundings and I’ll be peering around every tree searching for big fuzzy lumbering shapes.  The website says it’s important not to surprise a bear so make noise while hiking, travel in groups, sing, and if possible walk with the wind at your back so they can smell you. (I wonder if we should shower.)

I went on to read the steps to follow in case of an actual bear encounter. *I may have changed the wording slightly.

1. Let the bear know you’re a human by talking to it calmly, (maybe I'll try reading it my latest story), and wave your arms. They don’t usually want to eat humans, too many trans-fats.

2. Hold your ground and whatever you do, don’t run because like dogs, bears love to chase their terrified prey.  Keep talking calmly to the bear and don’t make high pitched sounds, (oh, like screams?)

3. Play dead or fight back depending on whether the bear is trying to eat you or kill you to protect itself.  Playing dead is good with grizzlies, mama bears with cubs, surprised bears, bears hiding a carcass, bears having a picnic with lions and tigers, etc.  Fight any black bear no matter the situation and fight any bear that is in your tent. Hmmm, it doesn’t give the best technique for actually fighting a bear.    

I guess this is where my insecurity for this month comes in. I try to have a positive attitude but I'm not sure I can be successful in a fight against a bear. I hope it never has to come to that. (The IWSG is and awesome group that posts monthly on their fears, insecurities, hopes and dreams. Visit Alex to find out more.)

In all seriousness I would actually love to see a bear. They are magnificent creatures but I would love it most if we see one from the safety of our moving vehicle. :)

Are there any creatures in nature that terrify you? Have you ever had to face that fear?

Kathy :)