In a recent incident in Colorado, USA, a young boy was enjoying popcorn in his backyard when a black bear sneaked up behind him, just a step away. Fortunately, his family quickly made loud noises to scare off the bear, preventing any harm to the boy.
According to reports from the Associated Press, the incident took place on August 31st in Aspen, Colorado. The boy, named Evan, was sitting in his relatives’ backyard eating popcorn when the black bear approached him unnoticed, standing mere steps away from him. Initially unaware, Evan’s mother, Rachel, told KDVR TV that she was frozen for a few seconds upon seeing the scene, unsure of what to do.
Thankfully, her husband and Evan’s brother sprang into action. They knew that making loud noises could scare off the bear, which promptly retreated. Evan emerged from the encounter unscathed, much to the relief of his family.
The family mentioned that black bears are frequently seen in the area after dark but it was the first time they had encountered one in broad daylight.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasized that human food, dog food, bird feed, and anything with a scent like scented candles, air fresheners, soap, lotion, and lip balm can attract bears. If a bear comes near your home, you can scare it away by shouting, clapping, banging pots and pans, or using an airhorn. If a bear enters your home, ensure it can exit as easily as it came in.
The agency also provided prevention methods for bear encounters, including closing doors and windows, using bear-resistant trash cans, securing windows with bars, closing garage doors, locking car doors and windows, trimming tree branches near windows, installing round doorknobs, and playing talk radio when away from home to deter bears from entering.