Florida sheriff’s office reminds locals: Bears are not your new BFFs.
In a world where Instagram likes and social media clout reign supreme, it’s important to remember that not everything is meant to be photographed. Especially not depressed bears, apparently.
This important reminder comes from the Florida sheriff’s office, who has been dealing with a surge of people stopping on the side of the highway to snap selfies with one particularly glum-looking bear. According to eyewitnesses, the bear was hanging around the area looking mopey and sad, leading many curious onlookers to assume he was just having a bad day and in need of a little cheering up.
Unfortunately, bears aren’t exactly known for being the most sociable creatures, and trying to get up close and personal with one is generally considered a bad idea. This is especially true of depressed bears, who are even less likely to be in the mood for photo ops and human interaction.
Despite this, several individuals were seen attempting to snap selfies with the bear, resulting in some truly awkward and potentially dangerous moments. From trying to get within a few feet of the bear to setting up tripods and posing with the wild animal, the behavior of these people has raised serious concerns about the consequences of prioritizing social media fame over personal safety.
In response to these incidents, the Florida sheriff’s office has issued a warning to all residents: don’t mess with bears. According to the sheriff, trying to take selfies with wild animals is not only ill-advised but also illegal in many cases. While it’s certainly tempting to want a cute Instagram post with a bear, it’s important to remember that these animals are not pets and should be approached with caution (or, preferably, not approached at all).
Of course, some skeptics might argue that the sheriff’s warning is just common sense, and that anyone who tries to take a selfie with a depressed bear probably deserves whatever happens to them. But in a world where influencer marketing is a billion-dollar industry, it’s worth repeating that social media clout is not worth risking your life (or the lives of innocent animals).
So, the next time you see a sad-looking bear hanging around the highway, resist the urge to snap a quick selfie. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these majestic creatures from a safe and respectful distance. Who knows? You might even end up getting a shot that’s worth more than a few double-taps on Instagram.
