Imagine finding a black bear on your porch. While most would quickly retreat, Susan Kehoe of Highland Lakes, New Jersey, greets them, even helping one snow-covered bear by gently brushing it off.
A Friendly Approach to Wild Visitors
In Highland Lakes, Susan Kehoe stands out for her unusual interactions with black bears, featured in videos that have caught the attention of many online.
In a recent clip, Kehoe is seen chatting with a bear on her porch as she uses a small rake to remove snow from its fur. When the bear faces her, she tells it to sit, and, to viewers’ surprise, it does.
Kehoe has shared numerous videos like this, including one where a bear shuts her front door, which became a hit. While some people find these moments sweet, others can’t help but feel concerned about the risks involved.
Considering the Risks
Kehoe knows the dangers—her social media includes a warning about the unpredictability of bears. She claims to have a special connection with these animals, using her voice to keep them calm, as she explained in an Inside Edition interview.
But no matter how calm these bears seem, it’s important to remember that they are wild and can be dangerous. Bears that get used to people can become a problem and might even need to be put down.
Advice from Wildlife Experts
Wildlife experts urge caution in how we interact with wild animals. “Feeding and interacting with wildlife, especially large predators like bears, can lead to aggressive behavior. We encourage people to admire these animals from a distance and to make sure food is stored where animals can’t get to it,” says Dr. Melanie Walters, a wildlife biologist.
This advice from Dr. Walters is a key point: admiring wild animals should be done from afar to keep both humans and animals safe.
An Online Window to Bear Interactions
Kehoe’s TikTok showcases various interactions, from bears closing doors to tender moments with cubs. In one post, she reflects on feeding three orphaned cubs, showing a deep affection for them. Yet she often reminds viewers that, despite her close encounters, bears are not pets.
The National Park Service reminds us that bears can be unpredictable and dangerous. The best way to befriend a bear might just be by watching Kehoe’s experiences from the safety of your home.
Check out Kehoe’s Viral Tiktok video here:
@susankehoe1 Universal body language of a big bear #foryou #love #fyp #bear #spirituality #animalsoftiktok #wildlife #special #viral #gentlegiant #woods #forest #outdoors ♬ original sound – Susan Kehoe
