Can you “bear” seeing a tapeworm?!
Imagine this: You are on vacation in Alaska, looking excitedly for wildlife. Finally, a bear strolls down the street in front of you, but it has what looks like a massive, long, and wiggling wet noodle from behind.
We know it seems like an internet myth, but it is true: an extremely long tapeworm was captured by onlookers coming out of a Bear’s butt in Alaska recently. The bear, a local celebrity known for its frequent appearances in the town, was found to be infected with a tapeworm likely from its favorite food, salmon. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with shared food sources between bears and humans.
WATCH THE VIRAL BEAR VIDEO HERE!
Tapeworms 101
Tapeworms, these parasitic freeloaders, are not to be taken lightly. They have a penchant for setting up shop in the intestines of both animals and humans, feasting on nutrients meant for their hosts. The symptoms they cause can range from mildly annoying to downright life-altering. Some larvae even take a road trip to other parts of the body—uninvited, of course.
How Do Tapeworms Hitch a Ride into Your System?
The gross truth: humans can pick up tapeworms in several ways, including:
- Eating raw or undercooked beef, pork, or fish.
- Drinking water contaminated with tapeworm eggs.
- Accidentally ingesting eggs from dog or cat feces.
Once ingested, tapeworm eggs or larvae find their way to the intestines, settling in and causing trouble. Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Digestive issues
- Unexplained weight loss
- In severe cases, blockages or complications in other organs
How to Keep Tapeworms Out of Your Life
Here’s the game plan to stay parasite-free:
Cook Smart
Always cook meat to the USDA’s recommended internal temperatures.
Use a food thermometer—it’s not just for chefs!
2. Practice Top-Tier Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom or handling animals.
Avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.
3. Handle Water Wisely
Drink treated or boiled water outdoors or if you are unsure of the water source.
Boil for at least 1 minute or use a proper filtration system to kill or remove parasites.
Can Salmon Be Risky?
While salmon is a nutrient-packed superfood, it can sometimes carry tapeworm larvae, especially if it’s wild-caught and undercooked. Bears might enjoy their sushi fresh from the stream, but humans should stick to cooked or properly frozen salmon to avoid unwanted side effects.
(Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Cook Children’s)