Earlier in 2024, a TikTok influencer posed the question in their video short: Who would you prefer to be alone in the woods with, a man or a bear? Women took that question and RAN WITH IT. The responses that women gave were staggering and these answers seem to really rile men to their core. Is that warranted? I know it was “so last month,” but I did want to sound off about it, personally. At least, what I felt about it and what I took away from it.
So, I have been on both paths — that is, encountering random bears on a hiking trail, and random men while out-and-about. Whom would I choose? I would choose the bear…and here is WHY…
First, I have had random encounters with strange men that left me fearful. As a rape survivor, I was wary anyway, but you never know a person’s intention due to their “free will.” I’ve had men walk along with me talking to me, as if they knew me, so they could ask something of me — perhaps a date or money? — not taking kindly to the fact that I felt intimidated and tried to either ignore them or walk faster. Reactions varied: a grabbed arm or a yelled derogatory name. I have also been randomly approached and hugged, which made me panic and cry out, thinking I was being held captive. Apparently, according to these men, women can be treated any way that the men want to, with nothing “off limits.” Do I feel that this is ALL men? No, but there are “safe” men and “unsafe” men. Just keep in mind that even “safe” men have their limits. There are also “familiar” men who think just because they are married to their woman, that they still don’t have to announce their intentions or do not feel like it’s a big deal because they’re “intimately familiar.” Listen guys, there can be assault and rape within a marriage, so NEVER assume. Like EVER. “Safe” men in committed relationships should always be thinking of the security of their mates, asking for consent and continually “dating” them, in order to keep things going. Women, we are not exempt, and should be showing common courtesy to our fellas. Just putting THAT out into the Universe…
So, on to the bear…I have been hiking in both Yosemite National Park and the Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re smart, the Parks Service has a hiking brochure and mini-film that they have you watch. WATCH. IT. Read the dang brochure. Carry bear mace. All of these will help you survive. I also had an air horn in my hiking backpack. I have personally come across bears that I have slowly and quietly turned away from. If they’re alone they usually run away, because they’re honestly startled and fear people as wild animals should do. If it’s a mother and babies, IMMEDIATELY LEAVE. She will chase you down to defend those babies, even if you are just unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity. To summarize, here is my synopsis on bear sighting/hiking safety:
If you come across a bear while hiking in bear country, you should try to appear non-threatening and SLOWLY move away:
- Make noise, yell, clap your hands, bang pots and pans, or use an air horn or whistle to make your presence known and scare the bear away. However, avoid loud noises or screams that could sound like prey to the bear.
- Make yourself look big. Spread your arms or wear a coat to appear larger. You can also move to higher ground.
- Back away slowly and try to go in the direction you came from and keep the bear in your line of sight. If there are buildings nearby, you can try to wait inside until the bear leaves.
- Use bear spray. If the bear approaches, you can spray it below the face from 20–30 feet away for 1–2 seconds. Try not to be downwind of the bear so the spray doesn’t come back in your face.
- If the bear makes contact, fall on the ground and play dead, keeping your pack on to protect you. Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms, spread your legs apart, and lie still without making any noise. Wait for the bear to leave.
- You can also try hiking in groups, as the noise and smell of a group of people can help bears notice you from farther away and intimidate them.
Now, back to our “safe” men. Please, gentlemen, do NOT be offended…I asked my boyfriend, who at first took offense to this trendy question, to think back to growing up and boys’ “locker room” talk: did he have friends that he wouldn’t trust to leave alone with his sister or his girlfriend/wife or even daughter? He was quiet for a bit, but begrudgingly said that he did. He said that he and the other guys would just shake their heads and make a mental note. Now, now is the time fellas! Now is the time to speak up and no longer tolerate and/or excuse bad behavior!
So, after my experiences with strange men and wild animals…I choose the bear. Like most other women…I’ll take my chances…my survival rate would be much better, I feel. My basis is this: in 2022 statistics, 1 in six women were sexually harrassed, with one and four sexually attacked. According to the Washington Post, “Since 2020, there have been exactly seven women killed by bears and 15 nonfatal attacks on women” in the United States.” See? My chances are SO much better. I. Choose. The. Bear.
That is all…
