Teddy bear hunts unite neighborhoods during coronavirus pandemic

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTVA/CNN/Meredith) -- A type of scavenger hunt is becoming a worldwide thing-to-do for people stranded at home because of coronavirus.

How does it work? People are encouraged to put teddy bears or other stuffed animals in their windows. This gives kids something to keep an eye out for when they go on walks or drives with their parents.

Amanda Juliuson lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She first saw a teddy bear hunt online.

“And I thought we have one of those neighborhoods,” she said.

It also coincides with one of her family’s favorite books, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.”

The book by Michael Rosen tells a tale of a family slashing through obstacles, looking for a bear.

“It really shows a connection with a family,” Juliuson said.

Soon after Juliuson posted the idea on her neighborhood Facebook page, the teddy bears started popping up around the area.

“Instantly. And a friend of mine texted me later that evening that they had gone out and found 56,” Juliuson said. “Within a day, I think the last neighbor posted that there were 15.”

The idea is to give families something to look forward to.

“Kids are out of school, we have young children,” Juliuson said. “They are like caged animals. So, walks are important.”

Kids are outside and need to stay connected.

“Talking to our neighbors from a safe distance across the street is a good way to connect with people and say hi,” Juliuson said.

According to TIME Magazine, bear hunts are also held in London, Iceland, Tennessee, South Carolina and many other locations.

So grab your family. You are going on a bear hunt. You;re gonna catch a big one. Oh, what a beautiful day. Don’t be scared!

Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

Tweet

Subscribe to receive free email updates: