You've been historically warned against bears.

And for a reason.

Many men seem incapable of leaving well enough alone. Little girls don't have to be taught not to taunt wildlife, pull butterfly wings, or destroy bird nests. Little boys do.

That's why you were warned about the danger of bears. They'll kick your ass if you harass and abuse them.

But I and other women were historically warned about strange men. Repeatedly.

Because many men seem incapable of leaving well enough alone.

And IF said random guy on the woods decides to harass and abuse me for shits and giggles, I'm not going to be able to defend and protect myself as well as that bear.

And the bear has zero interest in me. It just wants to be left alone too. So it WILL leave well enough alone so long as I do too.

Look at how many fathers prefer their young daughters have an encounter with a random bear than a random man.

Where did you think the distrust comes from?

From our fathers. Because they know how so many of you are behind closed doors.