266 CANADIAN WILDS. 



up are under a ledge of rocks, under the roots 

 of a partly fallen tree, under an over-hanging 

 sand bank, or in a rocky crevice in the moun- 

 tain side. The hunters, when they have tracked 

 him to or found his den begin by reading all the 

 visible signs and lay their plans accordingly. 

 If the bed is some little distance back from the 

 door or opening, they begin by staking up the 

 doorway so nearly closed that the bear will have 

 considerable delay in getting out. 



If to stake it is impracticable on account of 

 the formation, they gather rocks or sections of 

 logs and stuff up most of the opening. Some 

 venturesome hunters will stand a leg at each 

 side of the opening with their axe poised ready 

 to brain him while he is endeavoring to make 

 his exit, the man's companion prodding him 

 out from the rear. Other hunters (the writer 

 amongst them) prefer to remain with his rifle 

 ready for business at a few yards from the door- 

 way. This is safer and more reasonable. 



Most bears come out into daylight in a more 

 or less dazed state, but I have known some with 

 the very first introduction of the pole into the 

 rear premises to come out with a rush, carrying 

 obstructions and everything before them. At 

 such times unless a man is pretty nervy he is 

 apt to get "Bear Fever" and he should not be 

 blamed, for the situation is trying. 



