184 BIG GAME FIELDS 



black bear can strike a terrific blow and is capable 

 of knocking down and mortally wounding a full 

 grown caribou. When their enemy or prey is 

 felled to the ground they usually bite them about 

 the head and neck until death ensues. They are 

 remarkable for the strength of their jaws, and 

 have been known to bite through the skull of a 

 man. Many animals that can generally be 

 counted on not to attack may do so when come 

 upon suddenly, crowded, wounded or annoyed. 

 The black bear is no exception. The more I see 

 and study animals the more I am impressed with 

 the fact that there is no fixed rule what the same 

 species of animal will do under similar circum- 

 stances, as they seem to vary as much in mind 

 and temperament as the individual. Although 

 one might predict with a very good average of 

 correctness, there would always be the exception. 

 I have taken a great deal of pleasure in study- 

 ing bears, especially the black, possibly because 

 I have had a better chance to observe him. I have 

 met him in his natural haunts at various times 

 of the year, in the Rockies, Canada and Mexico, 

 and find him much the same good-natured fel- 

 low; yes, even playful, unless something should 

 befall him to ruffle his otherwise peaceful nature; 

 then he may become "as cross as a bear." 



