94 NEIGHBORS WITH CLAWS AND HOOFS. 



claws, and these, impelled by powerful muscles, are ca- 

 pable of inflicting terrible wounds. 



3. The bear is both carnivorous and graminivorous, 

 thriving equally well on animal or vegetable diet. Most 

 of the species are good climbers and swimmers. It is so- 

 ciable with its own kind, and shows a strong attachment 

 to its mate and young. Except in a few species, it is 

 harmless when undisturbed ; but it becomes ferocious and 

 dangerous when attacked or when defending its family. 

 It wards off blows with great dexterity, and returns them 

 with interest. In a fight it rears itself upon its hind-feet, 

 gives the " bear-hug," and uses the claws of its hind-feet 

 with terrible effect. When taken young it is easily tamed, 

 and for a year or more it is as playful and harmless as a 

 young puppy ; but later it must be restrained, for fear of 

 accidents. 



4. In the cold regions, bears sleep or hibernate in the 

 winter. During the fall they become very fat, and, when 

 the winter comes in earnest, they cease feeding, retire to 

 their den in some secure and sheltered place in rocks or 

 hollow trees, curl themselves up, and remain until spring 

 in a condition resembling sleep, but with the vital forces 

 more fully suspended than in real sleep. The stomach 

 contracts, the blood moves slowly, and every function of 

 the body goes on in a languid way. The little food neces- 

 sary to support this feeble life is furnished by the fat. 

 It was once believed that the bear is nourished during 

 the winter by sucking his own claws. The warmth of 

 spring arouses him from his lethargy, and he comes out 

 of his den in full strength for his summer's work. 



5. The American black bear has always been a favor- 

 ite theme of story among both white and red men. It 

 has been found in all the States from Maine to Florida. 

 The climate of the Northern and Middle States seems to 



