Hunting in Many Lands 



largely, especially since the military occupation. Com- 

 petent authority has estimated the number of elk as high 

 as 20,000, though this is probably too large a figure. 

 Moose are frequently encountered. Mountain sheep and 

 antelope are found in goodly numbers. It is doubtful 

 now whether there are over 200 buffalo left. Bears of 

 the different varieties are very plentiful and deer are also 

 quite abundant. The animals thoroughly appreciate 

 their security. They have largely lost their fear of man, 

 Antelope and sheep can be seen in the vicinity of the 

 stage roads, and are not disturbed by constant travel. 

 Wild geese, ducks and other birds refuse to rise from the 

 water near which men pass. 



But bears show the most indifference for human pres- 

 ence. Attracted by the food obtained, they frequent the 

 neighborhood of the hotels in the Park. The writer of 

 these notes, together with some companions, had a good 

 opportunity, in the latter part of August, 1894, to observe 

 how bold and careless these generally wary animals may 

 become if not hunted. 



When we reached the Lake Hotel, the clerk asked us if 

 we wished to see a bear, as he could show us one after we 

 had finished dinner. We went with him to a spot some 

 200 feet back of the hotel, where refuse was deposited. 

 It was then a little after sunset. We waited some mo- 

 ments, when the clerk, taking his watch out of his pocket 

 said, " It is strange he has not come down ; he is now a 

 little overdue." Before he had replaced his watch, he 

 exclaimed, "Here he comes now," and we saw descend- 

 ing slowly from a hill close by a very large black bear. 

 The bear approached us, when I said to the clerk, "Had 

 uot we better get behind the timber ? He will be fright- 



418 



