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Mexico Rangers Set Traps To Catch Viral Selfie Bear

Mexico Rangers Set Traps To Catch Viral Selfie Bear

A petition has since been launched, garnering over 135,000 signatures from people calling on the authorities to leave the bear alone.

EMS 7

EMS 7

Remember the curious bear who walked up to a group of hikers and posed for a photo? Looks like authorities in Mexico are now trying to catch it.

The bear did not attack the walkers at Mexico's popular Chipinque Ecological Park in San Pedro Garza Garcia, and instead got a whiff of its new pals while they landed a brand new profile pic.

Nonetheless, local authorities made plans to trap the bear over fears it could be aggressive in a different situation, setting up a number of traps to catch the bear and potentially move it to a zoo or other enclosure.

Mexico's office for environmental protection announced the move on Friday (24 July). This goes against the Chipinque Ecological Park's statement, released after the video of the bear went viral, which said 'strict measures' would be taken against visitors who put their own life or wildlife at risk.

Twitter/RafaElorduy

The statement reads: "This type of approach by the black bear to the visitor is an abnormal behaviour caused by humans. The interaction shown in the video should have been avoided.

"What is indicated is to move away when detecting the presence of the bear and not get closer; however we see that even the person seeks to take a photo.

"Given the above, Chipinque will take strict measures against visitors who put their life and/or wildlife at risk.

"Remember that Chipinque is a protected natural area, home to wild flora and fauna, so the sighting of mammals is not unusual, and it is the responsibility of the visitor to stay alert during his visit, avoid getting close and report the presence of a bear to our park rangers."

Some activists online also pointed out the three women in the video weren't wearing masks despite advice amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A change.org petition has since been launched, garnering over 135,000 signatures from people calling on the authorities to leave the bear alone and instead limit the number of people in the area.

Twitter/RafaElorduy

Earlier this week, many members of the online community praised the action of the women in the video, saying they did the right thing in that situation.

Journalist Yashar Ali weighed in, explaining: "We don't see the lead up, but they handle themselves well. If a black bear is this close to you, it's too late to scare them off unless they're attacking you, then you should fight back.

"Otherwise, stay calm... don't run. Don't do that with a grizzly if they attack you... play dead."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/RafaElorduy

Topics: World News, Mexico, Animals, Bear