Two Women Feeding a Black Bear at the Miami Zoo, 1931
We love an immersive experience nowadays, but this photo taken at the Miami Zoo in 1931 is probably not what most of us have in mind. These two women are crouched in a tree feeding a black bear some snacks, and it honestly looks really dangerous. Getting up close and personal with the wildlife was pretty common at U.S. zoos in the 30s, though.
It was common practice in many zoos to let visitors feed the animals in their exhibits, which is not only a dangerous idea, but also not great for the animals. Marshmallows were a common treat to give bears at the time, and some bears even had cavities from eating too much of this sugary snack. Thankfully, things have changed over the years.