A Bad Rap!
Bears have long suffered from an unearned bad reputation. Fear of bears permeates our belief systems. During the last century, civilized man has developed an ambivalent love-hate relationship with bears. People are almost schizophrenic about bears. We love them and fear them; we are fascinated by them, yet weary at the same time.
Cute and cuddly teddy bears adorn every child’s bed, yet fierce and ferocious bears torment us in our nightmares. We love to see bears near us, but we prefer the safety of a secure metal enclosed vehicle between us and them just in case.