The proof is in the pudding, or, nowadays, the photo. In an age where nothing is believable unless it’s seen in a photo or a viral video, one trend has the U.S. Forest Service a little concerned.
Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe is the site of an annual run of kokanee salmon, which attracts the bears who eat them. And is now, apparently, attracting people who attempt getting close enough to the bears to take a selfie.
Armed with questionable boundaries and smartphones, the #BearSelfie culprits are desperate for praise on social media, putting themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Officials from the park have said that if the trend continues, it could threaten to close down the area, if that’s what it will take to keep people away from dangerous wildlife.
Although bear attacks on humans are rare, tempting them with close encounters and harassment increases the likelihood of danger.
GUEST
Lisa Herron, Spokeswoman, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
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