# @nationalparkservice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CRtqDuzjpL6
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21101483-nationalparkservice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/fb139e1093.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-07-24T14:32:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) — https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice

## Caption

This bear is outstanding in its field.⁣
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You go bear! Understanding bear behavior reduces dangerous encounters and benefits both bears and people. What should you be on the lookout for?⁣
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🧸 Bears standing on their hind legs are often trying to gain a better vantage to see or smell something in the distance.⁣
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🧸 Bears walking in a bow legged, "cowboy" stance are expressing dominance, partner. You will see this during the mating season as they try win dominance over other bears and thus the right to mate. It is also used to move others out of prime feeding or resting spots. Git along little dogies.⁣
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🧸 A bear may open its jaws wide in close proximity to another bear's face that it’s trying to impress. Geez, how much salmon did you eat? Nice.⁣
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🧸 Like humans on a video call, yawning can indicate mild irritation. For the good of the order, avoid crowding a bear expressing this behavior. What was that? You’re on mute, Bear. ⁣
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🧸 Huffing, sometimes accompanied by deeper throaty sounds indicates that a bear is nervous. If the bear is directing the huffing at you, it’s time to give the bear more space.⁣
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🧸 Jaw popping/ teeth clacking is a sign that a bear is very agitated and perhaps a little afraid. If you are close enough to hear it, you are too close.⁣
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🧸 A bear that is very agitated may have its ears flattened against its head.⁣
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🧸 A bear that lunges towards you or slaps the ground while playing defense is feeling threatened and telling you to "move away." Take this message very seriously.⁣
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Learn how to stay safe in this environment by becoming familiar with the bear viewing best practices prior to your trip.⁣
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Image: A bear standing upright in a grassy field at @lakeclarknps in Alaska. NPS/A.Jones⁣
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#bear #lakeclarknationalpark #alaska #behavior #nationalparkservice #recreateresponsibly ⁣

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 90,128
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- **Comments:** 262

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Park Service | @nationalparkservice | https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice | Government Organization |

## Tags

behavior, recreateresponsibly, alaska, bear, nationalparkservice, lakeclarknationalpark

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