IN the grizzly bear we have the leading animal 

 of North America, and one who might well be 

 put at the head of the wild life of the earth. He has 

 brain and brawn. He is self-contained and is pre- 

 pared for anything. He makes an impressive ap- 

 pearance. He looks capable. He has bulk, agility, 

 strength, endurance, repose, courage, enthusiasm, 

 and curiosity. He is a masterful fighter if forced to 

 defend himself. 



But, a century ago, fifty years ago, or to-day, 

 one could ramble the grizzly's territory in safety — 

 unless attempting to kill a grizzly. The grizzly ob- 

 jects to being killed. If he is surprised or crowded 

 so that he sees no escape, if the cubs are in danger 

 or the mother thinks they are, or if the bear is 

 wounded, there will be a fight or a retreat; and the 

 grizzly will not be the one retreating. Almost every 

 animal — wild or domestic — will fight if cornered 

 or if he thinks himself cornered. 



Before the days of the repeating rifle the grizzly 

 boldly wandered over his domain as absolute mas- 



191 



