Third-year midwifery student Emma shares her experience of the course and placements, and how she has been supported with her dyslexia and dysgraphia at RGU.

How I enrolled at RGU

I’m Emma, and I’m currently a third-year student midwife at RGU. 

From a young age, I knew I always wanted to care for and look after people. It was a toss-up between cancer nursing and midwifery for me. However, midwifery just stuck; everyone knew I was focused on becoming a midwife.

I attended the RGU Open Day with my family, and I got to speak with the lecturers and 3rd-year students. This really solidified that I wanted to attend RGU as I could see myself thriving there. So, I was absolutely delighted when I got my offer.  

Recently, I had a full circle moment as I was the third year that was helping with the open days, talking to the applicants and showing me how far I had come from being there myself.

My experience with Midwifery at RGU

I feel like my time studying midwifery at RGU has gone by extremely fast, but it’s been so enjoyable. The staff have been so supportive, as this course is intense at times. I would encourage the use of personal tutors, Study Skills and the Inclusion Centre as they have been amazing through my official diagnosis of dyslexia and dysgraphia, putting in place reasonable adjustments in theory modules and placement.

Placements at first were daunting. However, you slowly get into the swing of things, consolidate your learning and pick up tips from each midwife. A massive highlight is being there for women and their families on such a special journey. It will always be such a privilege for me to be a part of this.

The team was so supportive when I was nervous about switching health boards for my placement in 2nd year from NHS Grampian to NHS Tayside. I was excited to be home for placement but anxious to have to re-learn some things and find my way around a new hospital. However, my personal tutor showed me around Ninewells to get my bearings and help with the stress of where I was to go, and I got to meet the lovely staff that was on shift that day, putting me at ease.

I was also lucky enough to be selected for the interprofessional learning day with the 4/5^th year medical students from Aberdeen University running through simulations of obstetric emergencies. It was fun running through these scenarios seeing how far I had come from first year.

My aspirations after graduation

I hope to become a midwife either in the wards or in the labour suite as I enjoy building relationships with women over multiple shifts and how rewarding each shift makes you feel like you have made a difference.

Emma Todd

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The post Studying midwifery at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

For Student Volunteering Week 2025, we are shining a light on RGU’s Student School Officers. School Officers are responsible for listening to student feedback, working in partnership with staff to make enhancements, and representing their peers.

Research student Kamo shares his experience as the first Student School Officer for the Graduate School at RGU.

Applying to become the first Student School Officer at the Graduate School

When I stepped into the role of Student School Officer for postgraduate researchers in October 2024, I knew I was embarking on something special. As the first person to hold this position, I saw an opportunity to make a real difference in our research community at RGU.

The path to this role began with the observation that postgraduate research can often be a solitary journey and also that there is a need for researchers to find ways of applying their research through this solitary journey. While RGU typically bustles with activities, research students can sometimes feel disconnected from the wider student body and union activities. This realisation sparked my desire to create meaningful connections between our research community and the broader university experience so that even research students who are engaged in teaching can get to feel like students.

Taking on this pioneering role began with a straightforward application process. After the nomination phase, I found myself scheduled for an interview with Student Union President Seth Odei, and the Dean of the Graduate School, Professor Sarah Pedersen, alongside two other candidates. The excitement was palpable – each of us, from the feelers I got, eager to contribute to our research community’s development. Once appointed, I quickly discovered that this role would become an integral part of my research journey, though one that would require careful balance.

My experience of the role and how it has benefitted me

That balance has proved both challenging and rewarding. There are days when my calendar seems to genuinely burst at the seams, particularly since the role comes with seats at numerous university tables and committees.

Yet, what keeps me going is the genuine satisfaction of serving my fellow researchers. It’s not just about ticking boxes or attending meetings – it’s about making a tangible difference in how our postgraduate research community connects and thrives.

The most fulfilling aspect of my role has been the personal interactions. As a point of contact for colleagues facing various challenges, I regularly visit researchers in their hubs and engage in conversations that range from casual chats to deeper discussions about their research experiences. Whether I’m listening to success stories or helping someone through a difficult period, these authentic connections remind me why I took on this role in the first place.

I’ve noticed significant growth in my own abilities too. The position has enhanced my interpersonal skills and social confidence in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Each interaction, whether with fellow researchers, staff members, or university leadership, has contributed to my professional development. I’ve learned to navigate different perspectives, mediate discussions, and advocate effectively for our research community’s needs.

My advice to students wanting to step into a similar role

As I look ahead to October 2025, when new candidates will hopefully step forward to continue this work, I feel optimistic about the foundation we’re building. To anyone considering taking on a similar role, I’d say this: don’t underestimate the impact you can have. Yes, it requires careful time management and dedication, but the opportunity to shape the university experience for your peers is incredibly rewarding.

For future Student School Officers, my advice would be to remain approachable and genuine in your interactions. Listen more than you speak, and remember that sometimes the most important part of your role is simply being there for your colleagues. The position isn’t just about formal meetings and reports – it’s about building a community where every researcher feels supported and connected.

As the first person in this role, I am having the privilege of laying the groundwork for future officers. While pioneering a new position comes with its challenges, it also offers the unique opportunity to shape its direction and impact. This journey embodies three essential elements of leadership: Voice. Vision. Voyage.

Kamo Sende

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The post Volunteering as a Student School Officer – Kamo’s experience appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

For Student Volunteering Week 2025, we are shining a light on RGU’s Student School Officers. School Officers are responsible for listening to student feedback, working in partnership with staff to make enhancements, and representing their peers.

Master of Architecture student Jaydn shares his experience as Student School Officer (SSO) for the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment.

The application process

When I first heard about the opportunity to become a Student School Officer (SSO) at RGU, I knew I had to apply. I genuinely care about the Scott Sutherland School and wanted to leave a lasting impression, contributing to meaningful change within the school. As someone who is confident and comfortable speaking to almost anyone, I knew I would thrive in this role.

The application process was straightforward and gave me an opportunity to truly reflect on my motivations. It allowed me to pinpoint exactly what I wanted to focus on as an SSO. The interview process was a great platform for me to showcase my personality and discuss my involvement in various activities throughout my studies, such as co-presiding over the 5710 Architecture Society.

It felt natural to express my drive for student advocacy and leadership – although I was still nervous about having a Teams interview with a tutor I’d known for five years – because, let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like trying to sound professional while knowing they’ve witnessed you sleep-deprived and stress-eating during review/deadline season. 

What I’ve been doing as a Student School Officer and balancing it with my studies

Since stepping into the role, I have been involved in a diverse range of activities. I have taken part in course validation panels, attended external events such as the NE Build Your Future event, and played an active role in RIAS, particularly within the education committee. Additionally, I have been part of the Student Experience Sub-Committee (SESC), which has introduced me to some fantastic people and given me insight into the incredible work that goes into ensuring students remain the University’s top priority.

Balancing this role with my studies has been manageable, as I am accustomed to taking on multiple commitments. I thrive in a busy environment and view these additional responsibilities as opportunities to develop soft skills that extend beyond academic studies. I enjoy being the ‘yes’ man, signing myself up for as many enriching experiences as possible. These experiences contribute to my overall growth and make my university journey even more fulfilling.

My favourite aspects of the role

One of my favourite aspects of being an SSO is gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of the University. Seeing the dedication and hard work of staff to enhance the student experience is truly inspiring. The networking opportunities that come with the role are incredible, offering chances to meet influential people in the field.

However, what I love most is being a support system for students, especially younger ones. Speaking to a tutor can sometimes feel daunting, whereas having a fellow student to confide in creates a more approachable and relatable support system.

How the role has benefitted me

This role has significantly benefitted both my personal and professional development. It allows me to engage in responsibilities beyond my studies, breaking away from the standard academic experience. The organisational skills and commitment required have given me a glimpse into what working life will be like.

Moreover, meeting influential people and realising that they are just human beings like the rest of us has been eye-opening. Many students feel intimidated by those in high positions, but this role has helped me overcome that perception and engage confidently with professionals – whilst being myself!

Why should other students get involved in volunteering roles?

For any student considering applying for an SSO or similar role at RGU, I highly encourage you to go for it. If you want to expand your knowledge and skillset beyond your primary field of study, this is the perfect opportunity. You may even discover a new niche that you love, opening doors to different career paths. Moreover, being able to make a real change in the school and the University is incredibly rewarding, especially within such a large institution.

My advice for future SSOs would be to have confidence in your abilities and be willing to step up for new opportunities. You never know where these experiences might lead. Not only will they provide you with invaluable skills to discuss with future employers, but they could also open doors within RGU itself if you decide to pursue a career in higher education. The impact you can make is incredible, and I highly recommend embracing the opportunity.

Jaydn Walker

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The post Volunteering as a Student School Officer – Jaydn’s experience appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

Fourth year Diagnostic Radiography student Julia shares her experience of the course and the support she received at RGU with many personal challenges including being a carer for her dad and experiencing a stroke at just 24 years-old.

Why Radiography?

My name is Julia and I am currently in my fourth year studying Diagnostic Radiography. I am 24, and when I left school at 18 I had no clue what I wanted to do. I decided to apply for any and every job that I could in my local area and ended up in dental nursing.

During my time studying for my qualification and working full time, the Dentists I worked with would take a lot of intra-oral x-rays as routine to diagnose issues that could not be seen above the gums. Alongside this, I learned a lot at college about the importance of x-rays and radiation protection. From there, I knew I did not want to do dental nursing forever and so decided to do a night course at college to get my higher human biology (I wasn’t great at school).

Thankfully, this experience and finally a pass at biology meant I was accepted at RGU for the Diagnostic Radiography course.

How was your experience of the course going through many personal challenges?

My first year was during COVID-19 so I did a lot of self-teaching and relied on my previous knowledge of anatomy to get through. However, I loved every second of it. My favourite part of this course has been placement. Getting hands-on experience and putting book knowledge into practice has cemented my love for the course. It also helps that I love to talk and build rapport with patients.

Unfortunately, during my first year, my father was suffering with dementia and so juggling studying and being his carer was a unique experience to say the least. However, the support from placement sites, lecturers and friends got me through and I am still in the course so I must have done something right!

During the summer of 2024 (just before starting my fourth year), I suffered an ischemic stroke that majorly affected my speech, word finding, and overall concentration. I had many appointments to attend and felt worried about returning to university. Again however, after relaying my concerns to the lecturers and insisting that I continued as normally as possible, I was listened to and referred to the appropriate people to discuss additional support for the duration of my course.

I spoke to the Inclusion Centre and Occupational Health who both agreed that it was important for me to take things at my own pace. Therefore, measures were put in place to ensure I was able to continue my studies. Although to some this may have knocked them back, and some days it does feel like I should have given myself some rest, I am so thankful to the team at RGU for their understanding and overall compassion towards me during this time.

Do you have any advice to share to current and future students?

Ultimately, my advice to students is: communication with the lecturing team and placement site co-ordinators is key. If they don’t know your struggles and concerns then they won’t be able to assist you in getting the best out of your time.

I would not have been able to continue this course if it wasn’t for the support from the University, and I am so glad they allowed me to adapt my learning so that hopefully I will graduate next summer with the rest of my class.

Julia Calder

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The post Studying Diagnostic Radiography through personal challenges appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

The story of Lady Wonder began in 1925, when her owner, Mrs. Claudia Fonda of Richmond, Va., noticed that the horse she had purchased when it was two weeks old—then just called Lady— would come when Fonda was merely thinking of calling her. Fonda wondered if the horse could read her mind, she told LIFE. By the time Lady was two years old the horse had been taught to spell out words by using blocks with letters on them. When Lady correctly predicted the winner of the Dempsey-Tunney boxing match, the fame of what Fonda billed as “The Mind-Reading Horse” began to spread.

Lady Wonder’s first appearance in LIFE came in 1940, when the magazine, as part of a larger story on ESP, related the history of the horse but also reported that it had lost its extra-sensory special powers. The horse could still perform simple mathematics, though, and was at that point merely being billed as “The Educated Horse,” with claims of clairvoyance left by the wayside. Still, the story noted that its ESP expert believed the horse once posessed special powers.

Then in 1952 Lady Wonder returned to the spotlight when she seemingly offered insight to a tragic case involving a missing boy. Here’s how LIFE described her contribution in its issue of Dec. 22, 1952:

A friend of the district attorney of Norfolk County, Mass., went to see her, on a hunch, to ask her for news of a little boy who had been missing for months. She answered, “Pittsford Water Wheel.” A police captain figured out that this was a psychic misprint for “Field and Wilde Water Pit,” an abandoned quarry. Sure enough, that is where the boy’s body was found.

The incident brought national attention to Lady Wonder, and among those who made the pilgrimage to her Virginia farm was LIFE photographer Hank Walker. He captured the mare, then 27 years old, in action, dispensing advice and sports predictions. (For the specific college football picks from Lady Wonder mentioned in the article, the horse was right on only one out of three picks).

Not everyone was buying the act. In 1956 the magician Milbourne Christopher, who was a noted debunker of frauds, visited Lady Wonder’s stable and concluded that the horse was spelling out words under the subtle guidance of Fonda, who was directing Lady Wonder on which blocks to select.

Lady Wonder died the next year.

The 27-year-old Lady Wonder, a horse with purported clairvoyant abilities who communicated answers by flipping letters on a rack, was a popular tourist attraction in Richmond, Va,. 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The 27-year-old Lady Wonder, a horse with purported clairvoyant abilities who communicated answers by flipping letters on a rack, was a popular tourist attraction in Richmond, Va,. 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The 27-year-old Lady Wonder, a horse with purported clairvoyant abilities who communicated answers by flipping letters on a rack, was a popular tourist attraction in Richmond, Va,. 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

“Lady Wonder,” a horse with the purported ability to see the future, came in from the pasture to answer questions for her customers, Richmond, Va., 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The 27-year-old Lady Wonder, a horse with purported clairvoyant abilities who communicated answers by flipping letters on a rack, was a popular tourist attraction in Richmond, Va,. 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Mrs. Julius Bokkon regularly visited Lady Wonder to solicit the opinion of the clairvoyant horse on matters in her life, Richmond, Va., 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Lady Wonder, the purported clairvoyant horse, gave a Massachusetts businessman direction on where to get a loan, spelling out “Heancock,” which was interpreted to mean the insurance company John Hancock, 1952.

Hank Walker/LIfe PIcture Collection/Shutterstock

The tricks of Lady Wonder included performing addition; here she had been asked what 7+6 equalled (she had already pulled up a “1” that is out of view to the left), Richmond, Va., 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Owner Claudia Fonda stood by as her clairvoyant talking horse tourist attraction, Lady Wonder, gave a Massachusetts businessman direction on where to get a loan, spelling out “Heancock,” which was interpreted to mean the insurance company John Hancock, 1952.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The 27-year-old Lady Wonder, a horse with purported clairvoyant abilities who communicated answers by flipping letters on a rack, was a popular tourist attraction in Richmond, Va,. 1952.

Hank Walker/LIfe PIcture Collection/Shutterstock

Lady Wonder, a horse with supposed clairvoyant powers, attracted visits from tourists and well as regulars such as Mrs. Julius Bokkon, Richmond, Va., 1952. The levers around the horse were like keys in a giant typewriter that it used to communicate its messages.

Hank Walker/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The post Meet Lady Wonder, the Psychic Horse Who Appeared Twice in LIFE appeared first on LIFE.

Hippos are the third largest mammal on the planet, behind only the elephant and the white rhino. But there is a variety of hippo known as the pygmy hippo that is tiny by comparison, especially when it is very young. And that makes the animal a natural curiosity. Witness the popularity of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo who lives in a Thailand zoo and became a viral sensation in 2024.

The editors of LIFE shared the fascination.

The magazine’s June 2, 1941 issue included a story headlined “World’s Smallest Hippopotamus Arrives in U.S. From Liberia.” The pygmy hippo in question had been abandoned by its mother, found by Liberian natives and turned over to a man named Silas E. Johnson, who worked in Liberia and was an amateur zoologist.

Johnson then sailed to New York City for his “biannual three-month vacation in the U.S,” according to LIFE, and brought the baby hippo with him. When the hippo arrived in America, he was two months old, weighed nine pounds, was 18 inches long, and had acquired the name Skipper during the course of his sea journey. Legendary LIFE staff photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was there to capture the magic.

LIFE explained exactly what made Skipper so precious:

The rarity of Mr. Johnson’s pet lies in the fact that pygmy hippopotamuses, found only in Liberia, are stalwart fighters which fiercely protect their young….When he is full-grown, Skipper will weight about 400 pounds. Normal hippos weight 30 pounds at birth, three tons at maturity.

While Skipper was rare, he was not entirely unique. In 1952 LIFE featured another pygmy hippo that had come to the U.S. This little fellow was named Gumdrop, and he and his zookeeper were photographed for the magazine by George Skadding. Unlike Skipper, Gumdrop came to the U.S. in the company of his mother.

How rare is a pygmy hippopotamus? Outside of zoos, the animal’s primary habitat remains in Libera and other neighboring West African countries. According to an estimate in 2015, only about 2,500 pygmy hippos remain alive in the wild.

This rare baby pygmy hippopotamus, named Skipper, was abandoned by his mother in Liberia and brought to the U.S. by boat in 1941 in the company of an amateur zoologist.

Alfred Eisenstaedt/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

This rare baby pygmy hippopotamus, named Skipper, was abandoned by his mother in Liberia and brought to the U.S. by boat in 1941 in the company of an amateur zoologist. Skipper needed to be kept wet to prevent his skin from peeling.

Alfred Eisenstaedt/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

This rare baby pygmy hippopotamus, named Skipper, was abandoned by his mother in Liberia and brought to the U.S. by boat in 1941 in the company of an amateur zoologist.

Alfred Eisenstaedt/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Amateur zoologist Silas E. Johnson brought this baby pygmy hippopotamus abandoned by his mother from Liberia to the U.S.; during the boatride from Africa to New York, the hippo acquired the nickname Skipper.

Alfred Eisenstaedt/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

This baby pygmy hippopotamus, abandoned by his mother in LIberia and brought to the U.S. by an amateur zoologist, consumed a half-pint of condensed milk and pablum from a bottle four times a day, 1941.

Alfred Eisenstaedt/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

A baby pygmy hippo named Gumdrop received a bath, 1952.

George Skadding/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

A baby pygmy hippo named Gumdrop and his mother, 1952.

George Skadding/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

A zookeeper administered a bath to Gumdrop, a baby pygmy hippo, 1952.

George Skadding/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Gumdrop, a baby pygmy hippo, was toweled off by a zookeeper following his bath, 1952.

George Skadding/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Gumdrop, a baby pygmy hippo, fed with his mother, 1952.

George Skadding/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The post Before Moo Deng: Little Hippos in LIFE appeared first on LIFE.

Early in his first term as president, Lyndon B. Johnson found himself caught up in a scandal involving his family’s beagles, named Her and Him. The trouble started when the President was welcoming a group of business leaders at the Rose Garden, and he lifted one of the family pets by its ears, causing the dog to cry out. Johnson then commented, “It does them good to let them yelp.”

The ear-pulling was captured by an Associated Press photographer, and plenty of dog lovers became upset at the President. At this link you can see the photo, as well as audio of Johnson talking about how a senator brought up the ear-pulling during negotiations with Congress over the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

After that incident Johnson’s beagles soon appeared on the cover of LIFE’s June 19, 1964 issue. The story aimed to show that, despite the ear-pulling incident, Her and Him were enjoying life under the Johnson Administration. “Not many dogs have been privileged to shoo birds off the White House lawn, get underfoot at a cabinet meeting or mingle with dignitaries at a State Ball,” LIFE wrote. “Certainly no dogs in all the world have the Bouquet Room as their private boudoir.”

LIFE staff photographer Francis Miller was given great access to Him and Her, and he came to the White House prepared to make the most of it. An animal lover himself, Miller brought a full assortment of treats and amusements to get the beagles on his side. Here’s how LIFE described the shoot:

Too wise in the ways of puppies to believe that affection alone would produce good photographs, Miller stretched himself out on the White House lawn, alternately barked like a dog, tossed a bone in the air, plied the beagles with his Yummies, huffed into the harmonica and joggled the toy bird in his left hand. This left him free to shoot the cover with his right hand and his right eye.

The story stated that Him and Her were primarily the pets of LBJ’s daughter Luci, who was 16 years old at the time. And she was not the beagles’ only caretaker. Miller took several photos of the dogs in the company of Thraphes Bryant, who in addition to being the White House electrician helped look after the dogs.

The affection between Bryant and the beagles was clear in Miller’s photos. And Bryant tended to many First Dogs during his career. He would write a memoir about it, titled “Dog Days at the White House: The Outrageous Memoirs of the Presidential Kennel Keeper.”

President Lyndon B. Johnson’s pet beagles, Him and Her, on the White House lawn, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Him and Her, pet Beagles of President Lyndon B. Johnson, sitting together on lawn of White House, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Him and Her, pet Beagles of President Lyndon B. Johnson, in a White House sitting room, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

President Lyndon B. Johnson, along with his daughter Luci Baines Johnson (left) and her friend Warri Lynn Smith (center), played with the family beagles, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

President Lyndon B Johnson’s beagles at the White House, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, Him and Her, at the White House, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Him and Her, the beagles belonging to the Lyndon B. Johnson family, made sport of an old overshoe in the White House living quarters, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, Him and Her, at the White House, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Thraphes Bryant, in addition to being White House electrician, helped care for the beagles of Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

White House electrician Thraphes Bryant helped care for LBJ’s beagles, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Thraphes Bryant, in addition to being White House electrician, helped care for the beagles of Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

LIFE photographer Francis Miller took photos of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s beagles, Him and Her, on the White House lawn, 1964.

Francis Miller/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The post The First Beagles Whose Ears LBJ Just Had to Tug appeared first on LIFE.

With the colder weather creeping in and the cost of energy bills rising, we’ve taken a look at the best ways to keep yourself warm…

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The following is adapted from LIFE’s new special issue on bears, available at newsstands and online:

Globally, bear populations are plummeting, with several species designated as endangered or vulnerable to extinction. But in many parts of North America, people are seeing more bears than ever. Since the 1970s, American bears in the lower 48 states have been expanding their territories, and enthusiasts need not travel into dense forests to spot a black bear or grizzly. Many can just look into their backyards. In the early ’70s, there were fewer than 100 black bears in New Jersey; today there are about 3,000 and they have been found in every county in the Garden State. 

Over the past several decades, Americans have been cutting down more forests and developing commercial properties on lands that have long belonged to bears. With less space to roam, bears are becoming our new next-door neighbors, taking dips in swimming pools, lounging in hammocks, and rifling through garden sheds. Their hijinks, often caught on camera, attract millions of views on social media and portray bears as approachable and playful. But they are still predators, whose tolerance of humans has its limits. “The victim wasn’t off walking in the woods,” Charlie Rose reported in a 2014 CBS News program about a woman in Florida mauled by a bear. “She was attacked in her own suburban yard.” She survived, with 10 stitches and 30 staples to the head.

Since 1960, Florida’s human population has increased from 5 million to more than 22 million. To accommodate this surge, 7 million acres of forest and wetlands have been destroyed for new homes. So it might have been the woman’s backyard, but to the bear, it was also his.

If you find yourself in bear country, which today could be deep in Yosemite or just off New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway, there’s plenty of advice to avoid conflicts. If you encounter a bear, dispensing a canister of bear spray at the animal is more effective than any air horn or sound. While you’re urged to carry it in certain national parks, the product could be dangerous if not used according to its directions. In 2022, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation tweeted: “Listen, bear spray DOES NOT work like bug spray. We would like to not have to say that again.”

Most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming, but if a bear has noticed you, the U.S. National Park Service provides some general tips: Stand still and identify yourself as a human by talking calmly and slowly waving your arms, so the bear doesn’t mistake you for a prey animal. “It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell,” notes the park service’s website. “A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.” 

Hike and travel in groups, as a collection of people are usually noisier—and smellier—than a lone person. A bear is more likely to notice your group and stay away. And remember that bears get more confident and linger when human food is involved. Keep your fare away and hidden; otherwise it could encourage a bear. If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways. This movement allows you to keep an eye on the bear while avoiding tripping. Plus, moving sideways is non-threatening to bears.

Ultimately, stay calm and remember that most bears don’t want to attack you—they just want to be left alone. A bear woofing, yawning, growling, or snapping their jaws may just be bluffing their way out of a potential encounter. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones, keeping it calm until it leaves. Wild animals are dangerous and can be enjoyed from a distance, and hopefully that distance will widen after decades of encroachment on each other’s turf. And those who live on the periphery of their habitats know that the beauty of bears is worth protecting.

Here is a selection of images from LIFE’s new special issue on bears.

Alatom/Getty Images

Teddy Roosevelt’s act of kindness toward a bear during a 1902 hunt was the seed what would become known as the “teddy bear.”

Getty Images

Brown bears are the most widely distributed bear species in the world, and are found in northern North America, Europe and Asia.

Mari Perry/500px/Getty Images

Brown bear cubs, after being protected by their mother early in life, often briefly stay with their littermates before going on to lead independent lives.

Getty Images

When salmon migrate upriver, bears gather for a hearty meal.

© Gerald and Buff Corsi / Focus on Nature/Getty Images/iStockphoto

For polar bears, climate change is threatening their way of life.

© PAUL SOUDERS | WORLDFOTO/Getty Images

The koalas of Australia look like bears but are in fact marsupials.

B.S.P.I./Corbis Documentary/Getty Images

Bears’ teeth are similar to humans, with broad, flat molars that can be used to grind food.

Irena Anna Sowinska/Getty Images

The post Bears: Strong, Wise, and Increasingly Among Us appeared first on LIFE.