34 



Sierra Club Bulletin. 



was a doe's skull, which told its story. As the number of 

 competent rangers is increased, the practice of killing- 

 deer for meat will be discountenanced, and a sentiment 

 created which, as in the vicinity of the Yellowstone Na- 

 tional Park, vv^ill prove the real safeguard of the wild 

 animals. Numbers of deer were seen by our party. The 

 conditions are favorable for their increase. 



Only a few bears survive of the many that were once 

 found in this region. In Spray Park, to the north of the 

 peak, one of the black variety with two cubs was ob- 

 served. Cinnamon bears are occasionally seen, but the 

 grizzly bear is now extinct in this whole region. Berries 

 of many sorts abound, and various roots and herbs are 

 found on which bears can subsist at all seasons of the year 

 when not in hibernation. This food is scattered enough 

 to give the beasts all the exercise they need to maintain 

 health. These animals are perfectly harmless so far as 

 man is concerned, and a sight of them in their wild state 

 is of no slight interest. The few remaining specimens 

 should not be disturbed. The three seen on our excursion 

 were gathering huckleberries on a hillside, and were under 

 observation for perhaps an hour, the mother eagerly sat- 

 isfying her hunger, and the young making repeated 

 excursions of exploration, from which each time they 

 returned in a panic of apprehension, until they had con- 

 vinced themselves by actual touch that their friend and 

 sheltering providence was still there. A more engaging 

 spectacle of diligence and of content tempered with vigi- 

 lance it would not be easy to find. 



The wolverine, carcajou, great American sloth, or 

 skunk-bear, as from his shaggy back and tail he is some- 

 times discriminatingly called,"^ a beast equally rare and 

 equally hateful, is occasionally seen within the bounds of 

 the park. Probably for many years to come this animal 

 will continue at remote intervals to enter within the pre- 

 cincts of the park. 



* It is to be noted that when the " Wolverine State " was so called, the desig- 

 nation was bestowed by the inhabitants of a neighboring State, and was not given 

 in affection. 



