“Selfie-Obsessed Bear Embarks on Epic Photo Tour, Collects 400+ Memories Along the Way”
Taking a selfie or two at a time seems like a reasonable amount, but how about 400+?
It happened. The other surprising element of this information is that it wasn’t a person who took it, it was a bear. In November 2022, the animal accidentally found itself in front of a motion-activated wildlife camera near Boulder, Colorado, accidentally triggering a series of shots — more than 400 photos, city officials said.
SEE ALSO: Mammals ‘Selfies’ Show Protected Areas Thriving with Biodiversity
Since news of his photo tour went viral, the animal has been nicknamed the “Selfie Bear” and has made headlines in numerous media outlets around the world.
“Wildlife cameras help us learn what animals are out there and what they’re up to over the course of a day, week, or even years. And sometimes that means we take some selfies, just like us,” the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) said in a release.
Bear/City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP)
(City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP))
The department has nine cameras on its 18,615.54-acre land system to help staff learn more about how wildlife species use the local environment while minimizing human presence in sensitive habitats.
OSMP trail cameras start working when an animal steps in front of them. Once this happens, the cameras capture a still image and can record video for 10 to 30 seconds, according to the OSMP. At night, the cameras use infrared light to take pictures to minimize disturbance to nocturnal animals.
“We’re fortunate to live in an area with a rich diversity of wildlife species, and these cameras help us learn what animals are really out there and what they’re up to over the course of a day, a week, or even years,” Will said Keeley, chief wildlife ecologist at OSMP, in a press release.
Bear/City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP)
(City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP))
Cameras have been placed in corridors where wildlife is likely to be present. OSMP also places cameras in locations where there are signs of wildlife activity, whether it’s footprints in the snow or trails crossing fence lines.
While Selfie Bear managed to capture more than 400 photos, OSMP kept the top 24 images that most entertained the staff.
“These photos may have captured a unique look, but we think the ones we kept are pretty good too,” OSMP said.
WATCH: How a map could help protect mammals
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Thumbnail courtesy City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP).
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