When you organize a picnic at the park, what essentials do you pack?
Who joins you for this outdoor gathering?
Our family always brings a variety of foods and beverages to ensure every guest has something delightful to enjoy.
In Deep Creek, Maryland, one family had a unique picnic adventure in the open air.
An Unexpected Guest
Their picnic table held peanut butter, which drew an surprising visitor: a black bear.
Likely lingering among the trees, the bear caught the scent of peanut butter and wandered closer to investigate.
Local residents recognized this black bear, often seen roaming the area.
Typically, these bears keep their distance from visitors, but this encounter was an exception.
A Bear’s Delight
Realizing the bear craved peanut butter, the family spread it generously on a slice of bread for their curious guest.
The black bear eagerly devoured the treat, prompting them to quickly prepare another peanut butter sandwich.
A Fortunate Escape
This lighthearted moment, captured in a video, shows five people incredibly fortunate to avoid harm from the bear.
Black bears, accustomed to forested areas near towns, rarely attack humans due to their familiarity with people.
Yet, they skillfully stay hidden while scavenging through garbage cans for food.
Some even sneak into homes, raiding refrigerators before homeowners notice.
A Serious Warning
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources found no humor in this video.
Feeding bears is against the law, and for good reason.
Bears’ behavior around humans is unpredictable—they may be calm or become aggressive. The safest choice is to keep your distance or scare them away.
Additionally, bears may grow accustomed to being fed by people.
What happens if the bear returns, expecting food, and finds none?
A bear lingering in campsites can create ongoing issues, endangering both human safety and the bear’s well-being, cautioned the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Practical Tips for Safety
They offered key advice:
Pack canned or dried foods to reduce odors, and avoid bringing peanut butter. Relocate if you notice fresh signs of bears.
If a bear appears, drive it off!
Clang pots and pans, shout, or scream to scare it away. If the bear persists, leave the area immediately.
Should you encounter a black bear during your next picnic or camping trip, depart promptly. Your safety is paramount.
Watch this charming bear’s rare moment in the video below!
Encourage your friends and family to share this story.
