Planning a picnic in the park is so much fun! You get to spend time outside, eat yummy food, and enjoy the day with people you like. When I pack for a picnic, I bring a big blanket to sit on, a basket full of snacks like sandwiches, fruit, and cookies, and drinks like water or juice. I also pack plates, cups, napkins, and a trash bag to keep the park clean. For fun, I might bring a ball to play with or a kite to fly. I invite my family and friends because it’s nice to share food and laughs with them. We always bring different kinds of food so everyone has something they enjoy.
But here’s a story about a picnic in Deep Creek, Maryland, that turned into a big surprise! A family was having a picnic, just like we do, with all sorts of tasty things on their table. They had peanut butter, which smells really good. While they were eating, a black bear came out of the trees! The bear probably smelled the peanut butter and wanted a snack too.
The people at the picnic weren’t too scared because they knew this bear lived nearby and was often seen around the area. Usually, the bear stayed away from people, but the peanut butter was too tempting. The family decided to give the bear some peanut butter on a piece of bread. The bear gobbled it up and looked so happy! They quickly made another peanut butter sandwich, and the bear ate that one too.
This moment was caught on video, and it’s pretty funny to watch. The five people at the picnic were very lucky because the bear didn’t hurt them. Black bears in places like Maryland are used to being around people and don’t always attack. Sometimes, they sneak around looking for food in trash cans or even try to find snacks in houses when no one’s looking!
But the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, who take care of animals and parks, weren’t happy about this video. They said feeding bears is against the rules, and there’s a good reason why. First, bears can be unpredictable. They might seem friendly, but they could get upset or dangerous. It’s better to stay safe and keep your distance. Second, if bears get used to people giving them food, they might keep coming back, expecting more. What happens if there’s no food next time? The bear might get upset, and that could cause trouble.
The Department of Natural Resources shared some helpful tips to stay safe. They said to bring food that doesn’t smell strong, like canned or dried snacks, and avoid things like peanut butter. If you see signs of a bear, like footprints, move to a different spot. If a bear shows up, try to scare it away by making loud noises, like banging pots and pans or yelling. If the bear doesn’t leave, it’s best to pack up and go somewhere else.
So, next time you’re planning a picnic, have fun, but be careful! If you see a bear, don’t feed it, even if it looks cute. It’s better to stay safe and let the bear find its own food. That way, everyone—people and bears—can enjoy the park without any problems.
