Saw that on the news this morning here in Florida over and over again.
The most damaging part of that story is it was reported the lady said "she survived" by "playing dead", because she read that somewhere.
This is absolutely wrong advice regarding the Florida Black Bear. And to keep reporting this tactic as a life saving action on national TV was just unconscionable on the part of the TV station.
1. You DO NOT lay down and play dead with a "Florida Black Bear".
2. Do NOT turn your back, play dead, climb a tree or run...
3. If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright...
4. Should I play dead with a black bear? (Short answer = NO)
Don't 'play dead' or turn your back on the bear.
http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/faqs/The 'lay down and play dead', is recommended for a slim chance of survival when all else fails when confronted with a "
Grizzly Bear", NOT a Florida Black Bear. The Grizzly will eventually walk away if you play dead long enough not to look like a threat to their territory, if attacked by a Florida Black Bear they want to kill playing dead just makes it easy for them to do so if they choose.
Moral of the story KNOW your bears before you play dead!! :B
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
