@ktml.bsky.social

ALT A hiker encounters a small black bear on a trail. She straightens up, owns her truth, and decalres her needs: "I’m calmly and clearly communicating that I need you to see me as a human. I’m standing my ground to demonstrate that I am not a prey animal. Thank you for the invitation to get closer, but I need some time to myself. I am not OK with you attacking me, as that would make me uncomfortable."

ALT The black bear enforces his own boundaries by walking away from this emotional unloading. He turns his back to the hiker and walks away, saying: "understandable have a nice day." Or at least we imagine that's what he'd say because bears don't talk. Yet.