THE STORY OF THE. BEAR. 



45 



alert, he retires to the depths of the forest and solaces himself with a young 

 moose, caribou, or deer. He seldom or never attacks a full-grown moose, 

 but traces of desperate encounters, in which the cow-moose has battled for 

 her offspring, are frequently met with in the woods. 



Black bears visit the Adirondacks from the wooded districts about 

 twenty miles to the westward during the autumn, crossing a fertile and well- 

 cultivated valley. They are good climbers, but, from their weight, are 

 unable to ascend to the tree-tops or climb far out on the branches, although 



SNAP SHOT OF A HUNGRY BLACK BEAR. 



they will ascend straight stems for a considerable height after honey. Thev 

 are also excellent swimmers, many being killed while swimming in the lakes. 

 As a rule, the black bear hibernates, although its torpor is not deep, and 

 the time of entering upon the winter repose depends upon the severity of the 

 season, and the amount of food-supply. The males will remain active in 

 any weather, so long as they can find abundance of food. The female is, 

 however, compelled to seek shelter sooner on account of her prospective 

 family. 



