'I saw people trying to take selfies with a bear': 15+ Tourists who were wildly unprepared for the national parks they were visiting

You may be smarter than a bear, but there's no way you're stronger or faster! And if you think you could take on a charging bear, then the bear is also smarter than you. 

The USA is full of gorgeous national parks. No two are alike, and they vary greatly from state to state. Some are great for hiking and exploring mountains, while others, like Yellowstone, have hot springs and natural beauty that draw in lots of admirers. 

You'd think visitors would want to read up on park information, or check out some nature documentaries, or just skim a few websites. Then they'd know the right clothes and food to pack, and they would know not to march right up to wild animals and take selfies with them. Despite putting signs all over the parks that tell tourists to stay away from bison, moose, bears, and other wild critters, some people can't help themselves. They just think, "Aww, how cute!" That wild animal is cute… and it's not trained. That brown bear is not going to act all lovey-dovey like you saw in a random video online. It's going to think you're a chew toy! 

Maybe this is common sense to you, or maybe, like these tourists, you're under the impression that wild animals won't hurt you if you're super extra nice to them. If you're in that second category, read on! You're about to learn today. 

Next up, take a different trip into nature with this story of a farmer and his new city-folk neighbors.