312 



Tho black bear is easily tamed when taken young, and, for the first 

 six months of captivity, makes an amusing and interesting pet. As 

 the animal increases in age and size it becomes unmanageable, treacher- 

 ous, and ultimately, positively dangei-ous. It can then only be held 

 safely by means of a strong collar and chain ; and can be mastered and 

 kept in subjection by the person alone who obtains the ascendency by 

 the most violent methods of inducing docility. Bears cannot be recom- 

 mended as domestic pels. More powerful, but not less treacherous, 

 than foxes, they are far less docile and affectionate in a state of domesti- 

 cation than wolves. 



In Canada black bears retreat to their dens — generally under the 

 roots of large trees, or occasionally in. I'ocky caves — in the first part of 

 December, or a little earlier or later, as the season of confirmed fiost 

 and snow sets in. They remain there in a quiescent .state, although not 

 in a trance-like condition of torpidity — until the first or second week of 

 the month of April, or the latter part of jNlarch if the spiing is open. 

 The facts relating to their state during the period of hibernation which 

 I have mentioned, has been well established by hunters who have killed 

 them in their dens in the depth of winter. T have also verified it in 

 the case of one kept in a state of domestication. 1 know of nothing 

 authentic as to whether they suck' their paws in hibernation or not, 

 although this is asserted. Some naturalists who have studied the sub- 

 ject carefully, have concluded that the liibernating slumber is cccasion- 

 ed b}'' an increased slowness of the circulation of the blood, superinduced 

 by the colder condition of the atmosphere during winter; and that tlie 

 physical transition through which they pass, cannot be considered as a 

 state of absolute torpor. In proof of this can be adduced the well 

 known fact that, when attacked or wounded in their dens, they become 

 nt once wide awake and aggressive. When they first emerge from their 

 four months' slumber, bears are heavy and fat, and their fur is in prime 

 condition, but shortly after wai'ds — owing to the scarcity of food in the 

 early spring — they fall off in flesh and soon become ragged in coat and 

 lanky in appearance. Towards the month of October, if they have had 

 a favourable sumraei', they are found in good condition, and any time 

 after the middle of Novembei- their skins have the finest colour and the 

 thickest and heaviest coat of fui'. 



