Surprise Visitor: Black Bear Partakes in Family’s Picnic Feast

2 days ago 7

Planning a picnic usually means sunshine, food, and fun with loved ones. Most of us think about sandwiches, drinks, maybe a cozy blanket, and inviting our closest friends or family. But what if your picnic guest wasn’t someone you invited—what if it had fur, claws, and a huge appetite for peanut butter?

That’s exactly what happened to one family enjoying the outdoors in Deep Creek, Maryland. Their peaceful picnic turned into an unforgettable story when an unexpected guest showed up.

The Curious Guest in the Woods

While the family was enjoying their food, something—or someone—caught the smell of peanut butter and decided to drop by. A black bear appeared near their table, drawn in by the tasty scent. It’s likely the bear had been nearby, hidden among the trees, when it caught a whiff of the spread and couldn’t resist.

Locals in the area were familiar with this particular bear. It had been seen wandering around before, though it rarely got close to people. But this time, the peanut butter was just too tempting.

Bear Gets a Treat (and Comes Back for More)

Understanding what the bear wanted, the family offered a slice of bread slathered in peanut butter. The bear quickly gobbled it down, clearly enjoying the snack. The group even made another sandwich for their furry visitor, who didn’t seem shy at all.

While the moment might seem heartwarming—and the bear certainly looked adorable as it sniffed the air hopefully—it’s important to remember that this situation could have turned dangerous. Luckily, everyone walked away unharmed.

Why Feeding Bears Is a Bad Idea

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Even though black bears are often used to being near people, especially in areas near forests and neighborhoods, they are still wild animals. They know how to quietly search for food in trash cans and have even broken into homes in search of something to eat. So, it’s easy to forget just how unpredictable they can be.

When the Maryland Department of Natural Resources saw the video of this bear encounter, they were not impressed. In fact, they reminded the public that feeding bears is against the law—for good reason.

No one can predict how a bear will act. It might seem calm one moment and become aggressive the next. Feeding them also teaches them to associate people with food, which can lead to repeated visits. If the bear returns and no one offers food, it might react badly or become a threat.

As the Maryland Department of Natural Resources stated,

“Having a bear in camp can lead to problems that will persist long after you have gone home. If a problem becomes serious, your safety and the bear’s safety may become jeopardized.”

Staying Safe in Bear Country

To prevent bear encounters from turning dangerous, the Department shared some helpful advice. They recommend packing canned or dried food, which has fewer smells that attract bears. Avoid bringing strong-scented items like peanut butter. If you notice any signs that a bear might be nearby—like fresh tracks or droppings—it’s best to move your picnic somewhere else.

And if a bear does show up? Make noise. Bang pots and pans, shout, or scream to scare it off. If it doesn’t leave, it’s better to leave the area than risk an incident.

So next time you’re out enjoying nature and planning a picnic or camping trip, keep safety in mind. Seeing a bear might be exciting, but it’s not worth the risk.

Check out the heart-melting moment this hopeful bear sniffed out a peanut butter sandwich in the video below. And remember to share this wild tale with your friends and family!