Planning a picnic often evokes scenes of sunshine, snacks, and laughter among loved ones. Most picnic-goers prepare sandwiches, refreshing drinks, and perhaps a soft blanket for lounging. But one family in Deep Creek, Maryland got more than a peaceful afternoon—they found themselves hosting a surprise guest with an enormous appetite and a love for peanut butter.
The Curious Guest in the Woods
As the family sat at their picnic table enjoying the fresh air and food, they weren’t alone for long. Hidden among the trees, a familiar local black bear had caught wind of a delectable scent wafting through the woods. Drawn to the unmistakable aroma of peanut butter, the bear wandered into the open, heading straight for the picnic spread.
Locals in Deep Creek had seen this bear before, but typically at a distance. This time, however, the lure of peanut butter proved irresistible. The bear, calm and curious, edged closer to the table, clearly interested in the source of the smell.
Bear Gets a Treat—and Returns for Seconds
Incredibly, rather than showing fear, the family chose to cautiously interact with the furry visitor. They offered the bear a slice of bread spread thick with peanut butter, which it hungrily devoured. Noticing that the bear remained calm and non-threatening, they even made a second sandwich for their forest guest.
The bear’s behavior was almost charming as it gently sniffed the air in anticipation. But while the close encounter made for a good story, wildlife experts strongly caution against such interactions.
Why Feeding Bears Is Risky
It’s important to remember that black bears, no matter how docile they may seem, are wild animals. Feeding them—intentionally or not—can lead to dangerous consequences. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued a reminder after viewing the footage: feeding bears is illegal and potentially deadly, for both humans and the bear.
“Having a bear in camp can lead to problems that will persist long after you have gone home,” the department stated. “If a problem becomes serious, your safety and the bear’s safety may become jeopardized.”
Bears that associate people with food often return to populated areas. Over time, this can create dangerous scenarios, especially if the bear becomes aggressive when food is unavailable.
Tips for Staying Safe in Bear Country
To avoid such encounters, wildlife officials recommend the following precautions:
- Avoid bringing strongly-scented foods such as peanut butter, bacon, or canned fish.
- Store food securely when not in use and dispose of garbage in bear-proof bins if available.
- Keep a tidy camp or picnic area to reduce attractants.
- If a bear approaches, make loud noises—yell, bang pots, or use a whistle to scare it away.
- If the bear doesn’t leave, calmly retreat to a safe location.
Sometimes wildlife can seem friendly or even endearing, especially when they behave in surprisingly human ways. But as adorable as the bear in this story may have appeared, interactions like these can pose serious risks for future encounters.
For a full look at the encounter, watch the video here:
This remarkable story from Deep Creek serves as a powerful reminder: when it comes to wildlife, admiration is best viewed from a safe and respectful distance.
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