I remember a cool summer day On Little Coal Creek south of Denali National
Park. I was with another individual who ran away at the sight of an
approaching grizzly. That didn't do me much good as I was recovering from
knee surgery. The bear ran straight at me and stopped about 20 feet away
after I screamed at it. It was way too close and had it advanced 1 more
stride I was going to drop and roll into a ball. Fortunately it was a bluff
charge (as 90% are) and the bear left after it had ripped some bushes and
rolled some rocks in front of me just to show who was boss.
When encountering a bear you neither want to act aggressive nor appear to
be a victim. They are beautiful animals and an important part of our wild
landscape. Don't do something stupid like leave food out or try to get too
close to cubs, etc. Both you and the bear could regret it. But don't let
the presence of bears keep you from enjoying the woods ( bearanoia). My wife
and I have encountered many blackies on our outdoor adventures and always
count it a lucky day when we see them.
Now if I could just get a look at a Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, and
Fisher- the gaping holes in my mammal list!
Steve Ellis
sellis at coup.wednet.edu
Coupeville, (Where bears and wolves were sadly extirpated decades ago) Wa.