THE BLACK BEAR, 79 



animal was seen, though females were frequently found 

 among the throngs. 



The animal cannot be attacked at close range with impu- 

 nity during these excursions, for hunger and cold make it 

 rather desperate. As its fur is valuable, however, profes- 

 sional hunters slay it at every opportunity, and sometimes 

 follow groups for two or three days together. Its flesh, 

 which is succulent and fat from June to the period of hi- 

 bernation, becomes lean and dry during the migration, so 

 that it is not much sought for as an accessory to the lard- 

 er. Should its winter rest even be undisturbed, the flesh is 

 leathery and disagreeable when it reappears in the spring, 

 and continues in that condition until the wild roots and 

 fruits are ripe, when it fattens up in a short time. 



During its hibernation the bear is said to suck its fore- 

 paws so much that they are very tender when it arouses 

 itself from its torpor; and it is even said by some tele- 

 scope-sighted hunters to close the anus with clay, to pre- 

 vent the passage of any element of nutrition that could 

 support existence while in its dormant state. 



As a game animal, when in good condition, the bear may 

 be classed with the fox or badger ; for while it is harder to 

 kill and more difficult to find, it is equally as harmless to 

 man if he will not throw himself into its embraces, and 

 assume that he can whip his weight in wild-cats. While 

 it is a dangerous opponent at close quarters, owing to its 

 weight, size, and strength, the sharpness of its teeth and 

 claws, and its hugging propensity, yet its power may be 

 overcome by seizing it by the throat near the root of the 

 tongue, and pressing the fingers heavily on it; and this 

 soon produces spasms of the glottis, which suffocate it in a 

 short time. 



Dears are interesting and playful creatures about a house 

 until they are a year old, but after that time they are trou- 

 blesome, and liable to get into mischief on every occasion. 

 They are so numerous in certain sections beyond the Rocky 

 ^Mountains that several of them form accessories of towns 

 and cities, and even of farm-houses; and in all cases they 



