 Hike Jasper - Potential Wildlife Disasters
While this does not involve a hike in Jasper, it is a very good example of a bad idea along with a potentially very bad unkown natural variable.
First of all, just below is an unhappy observer. It is mating season for Black Bears and the one just below is very close to a "bad idea" currently taking place. This Jasper Black Bear, however, remains unseen by the "bad idea" that is taking place - thus the potentially very bad unkown natural variable. While we assume it is not a good idea to approach a Black Bear, we can certainly imagine that coming between two possible mating partners is an invitation to a greater problem. We captured this "watching" Black Bear Pic from the comfort of our car. The "bad idea" taking place was completely oblivious to this observing Black Bear.
Here is what I refer to as the "bad idea" taking place. A Jasper tourist is approaching a Black Bear, while his girlfriend takes photos from their car. He actually takes deliberate steps towards the Bear and the Bear slowly retreats.
What this guy did not know was that there was another Bear closely observing these actions. I can only imagine the constant calculations taking place in the observing Bear's mind - if this guy took 1 more step or three; what would it have taken before the Bear in the above Pic decided to initiate a confrontation?
It is pretty easy to imagine that two adult Black Bears would be very difficult to force into retreat after either a defensive or offensive confrontation was to take place.
While we have all done things we know involve risks, it is often natural variables as mentioned here that alter those risks without our knowledge.
So many of us never consider the unkown variables, let alone the obvious risks. Please use your imagination as an educational tool when out and about in Jasper. No one's family wants to hear bad news about a Jasper, or any other vacation!
*This information was placed here as it is a very good obvious example. No one visitng or living in Jasper wants to witness harm unfold and there are so many examples that could have taken this one's place.
Also, Jasper hikers probably
don't want to experience a heart attack
while observing other's actions.
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