Don't Feed the Bears

Signs in Yellowstone National Park warn visitors: “Don’t Feed the Bears!”

Actually, visitors are not to feed any park wildlife. The animals become dependent upon the human type of food and won’t forage for themselves. If fed people food, they become lazy. Besides, our snack food does not have the correct nutrients for them to develop healthy bodies.

Even though it is fun to hand feed wild animals, it’s not in their best interest. The animals can become pests around people and therefore dangerous. Observing them in their natural habitat is interesting as they forage for their own food. But we actually cause harm to the animals if we feed them.

Working for our own food is as good for humans, as it is for the bears. It is great that our government helps people who really need financial help, but there are many people who have made a lifestyle of letting the government and other people “hand feed” them.

As with the animals, humans will also develop into stronger individuals and have a healthy self-esteem if they work for their living.

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NIV)

Helen Hoover