A BLACK BEAR HUNT 171 



While the wolf has disappeared the black bear is as abundant 

 as ever in this region. The sequestered feeding grounds which 

 it affords, alternating with inaccessible mountain fastnesses, are 

 exactly adapted to the secluded habits of this stealthy animal. 

 In Europe, on the other hand, it is curious to note that the wolf 

 has outlasted bruin everywhere. 



Even where bears are fairly numerous there is only one season 

 of the year when they can be hunted with the sure prospect of 

 success. This falls in the early autumn, when vast quantities of 

 ripe berries, particularly the huckleberry and blueberry, have come 

 to their maturity. The saccharine juices of these "wild fruits furnish 

 the supply of fat requisite for the long winter hibernation. 



THE WHITE-TAILED VIRGINIA DEER, A FREQUENT VICTIM OF THE BLACK BEAR. 



(Photo by James Turnbull.)] 

 \ 



In such broad open spaces as are found along the upper reaches 

 of the Nepisiquit River, also upon the bare hills hemming in the 

 basin of the Patapedia, a tributary of the Restigouche, in the 

 province of Quebec, successful stalking is at this season only a 

 matter of wariness and skill. The usually sly and sneaking fellows 

 boldly come out into the open for three or four hours after sun- 

 rise and throughout all the late afternoon and evening, in order 

 to feed greedily on the delicious wild fruits there found in 

 astonishing abundance. 



When not engaged in feeding they frequent the long narrow 

 damp mossy ravines which are often found abutting the river. 



