Some hundred or so yard away, I think that is the closest you are supposed to come to a grizzly or bison in Yellowstone, there was a creek. On the other side of the creek, maybe 20 feet, there was a grizzly rooting around in the bushes.
Right up at the creek there were maybe 3 dozen tourists crowded together and snapping pictures, just like the bear couldn't be across that creek and among them in a second and a half.
I've heard that the bear won't bother you, if you don't bother it. But it's the bear that decides when he's bothered.
These people vote, too, which scares me more than a bear would.
Great points!
Particularly your voting analogy!