24/08/2026
One of my favorite parts of working around bears is how much can be communicated through the smallest, calmest actions.
This curious cub was interested in us and kept trying to come a little closer. Rather than encouraging him to approach, we simply let him know that he had gotten close enough and he paused, backed off, and tried again. A little back-and-forth, all on his terms.
And then Mom came walking by and called her cubs. Suddenly, we were forgotten. 😂 All three took off running to her.
Moments like this are a good reminder that being around wildlife isn’t about getting as close as possible. It’s about being calm, predictable, respecting boundaries, and allowing the animals to make their own choices.
We don’t encourage bears to approach us. If they’re curious about us, we give them the space and time to move around us naturally. Sometimes, a very small action is all it takes to communicate that we’re not inviting them any closer. 🐻🤎
Cassie Noel Zac Mills | The Wildlife Collective
