Would you rather meet a man or a bear in the woods?

[shadowkat]

So, who would you rather meet in the woods while hiking, a man or a bear?

So, on Twitter - there's been bear memes. I keep responding to them in bewilderment - "you do know if you meet a bear in the woods, you will most likely be dead right?"

Twitter: most women would rather meet a bear than a man in the woods
Me: depends on the bear. You know the bear will kill you right? And with no need of a weapon. Man? Less likely?
Twitter: yes, but it won’t follow you home and gaslight you. Or rape you.
Me: true, but you’ll be dead and eaten?
Twitter: statistically you’re more likely to get attacked by a man.
Me: I don’t put much faith in statistics, they
can be manipulated. But yes, you are more likely to be attacked by a man than pretty much anything really? ( well except mosquitoes and women, but less damage depending on the mosquitoes and women so maybe not less damage?) You can meet and get attacked by a man in a grocery store, a bear not so much.
Twitter: a bear won’t rape you.
Me: no, it’ll take your face off. You can’t outrun a bear.

This is reminding me of the caveman and astronaut debate.

I repeat this conversation to FB. And am told that my lack of experience with bears is probably it. If I was around them more, I'd realize they are perfectly harmless (unless provoked). I think we're talking about black bears? They also advise it is like sharks, they were perfectly comfortable and safe swimming with the sharks.

Then I repeat to Mother.

Mother: well, most men won't attack you either. They'll just walk on by.

Some sense.

I ask my 20 year old niece who is working as a park ranger this summer in Estes, Colorado.

Niece: 1000% bear, they are cute and cuddly.

I'm thinking I'm the only one who listened to Grizzly Bear horror stories while camping.