THE GRIZZLY BEAR. 157 



ground, for, as may be supposed, he is in no amiable mood 

 when thus disturbed, and, unless speedily killed, would at- 

 tempt to wreak a fearful vengeance on his assailants. The 

 black bear springs on his prey hi the same way as does the 

 tiger or panther of the southern part of the continent. He 

 thus frequently kills the young moose, though the full-grown 

 animal is too active and .powerful to be thus caught. He 

 will even attack horses in the same way, though the latter 

 animal often receives him with a furious kick. 



In the summer, the black bears unite and hunt in gangs, 

 making the forest resound with their fearful snarling and 

 loud moaning cries. They give warning to the hunter to pile 

 fuel on his camp-fire, and to take his rifle in hand, for, strong 

 in numbers, they will not hesitate to approach him, and, if 

 pressed by hunger, to make an assault on his camp. 



THE GRIZZLY BEAR. 



The most dreaded inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains and 

 their neighbourhood, is the savage grizzly, frequently called 

 by the hunters Old Ephraim. Even the bravest hunter, when 

 making his way through this wild region, finds it necessary 

 to call all his courage and hardihood to his aid, when he sees 

 one of these huge monsters sitting upon its hind-legs prepared 

 for a rush towards him, and uttering a loud, harsh sound, like 

 a person breathing quickly. Should he not wish for a con- 

 test, his best plan is to face the monster boldly, moving 

 slowly on, but ever keeping his eyes fixed on the animal. 

 The bear will, in most cases, after watching him attentively 

 for some time, turn round and gallop off. If, however, 

 he should lose his presence of mind, and attempt to fly or 

 should he fail, when he fires, to shoot the monster through 



