Mama Bear And Cubs Go For A Swim In Glenwood Springs
It's hot and we humans aren't the only ones who like to find a little relief from the heat by cooling off in a nice little watering hole. Bears are trying to cool off and have a little summer fun as well and this Mama bear and her cubs were seen doing just that...thankfully from a distance.
According to Fox 21, earlier this week, a sow and three cubs were captured doing just that near a landfill in Glenwood Springs.
In the video the Mama bear is just chillin' while her babies are having the time of their lives and living their best life in the water cooling off.
As a friendly reminder, it is NEVER a good idea to get close to bears especially a Mama with her cubs.
If you do come across a bear or bears in the wild, here are some helpful tips:
Identify yourself: talk calmly (easier said than done when seeing a bear but try your best) so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
Stay calm: once again this is easier said than done but extremely important not to scare the bear, they don't want to attack. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones and never scream.
Pick up small children: if you're with a child, do this immediately.
Hike and travel in groups: the smellier the better, bears will be able to recognize that humans are near and will more than likely leave if nearby.
Make yourselves look as large as possible: move to higher ground if possible and wave your arms...once again though, speak calmy and give the bear plenty of space but do NOT run.
Do NOT allow the bear access to your food.
Do NOT drop your pack: it can provide protection for your back and prevent a bear from accessing your food.
Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route
Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.