I didn't hear nothing, you're bearanoid

Bearanoia, a play on the word "paranoia," refers to the irrational or excessive fear of bears. It can manifest in a range of behaviors, including:

• Excessive avoidance of areas where bears may be present, even in areas where bear encounters are rare or unlikely.

• Unwarranted precautions, such as carrying bear spray or making excessive noise while hiking, even in areas where bears are not known to be active.

• Hypervigilance for signs of bears, leading to anxiety and heightened fear levels in bear-related situations.

• Misperceiving harmless sounds or objects as bears, resulting in overreactions and heightened fear responses.

Bearanoia can significantly impact an individual's quality of trekking, limiting trails, causing distress, and leading to avoidance of natural areas. It often stems from misinformation, sensationalized media reports, or personal experiences that have instilled an exaggerated fear of bears. Addressing bearanoia typically involves a combination of education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and gradual exposure to bear-related stimuli in a safe and controlled environment.