The grizzly bear simply cannot be understood, nor half understood, if
his curiosity is not considered. Notice a grizzly bear pet, observe a
grizzly in a zoo, watch both the cubs and the old grizzlies in the
Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. They walk about like superior
animals, which they are. Those in parks ever notice any sudden movement,
any new figure in the foreground, and detect any unusual noise that
comes from far away behind the woods. The grizzly bear and the scout are
masters of woodcraft through intensive observation. Behind the word
curiosity the grizzly bear has put a world of meaning.
The wild grizzly shows a deeper feeling for the scenes, the sounds, and
the movements around him than any other animal that I have watched.
Sometimes, while thus interested, he sits on haunches like a dog, again
he stands on all fours, at other times he stands on hind feet, tiptoe,
and, on rare occasions, he sits on his tail with fore paws against his
breast, perhaps leaning against something. Once in a while he gives full
attention while lying down.
When looking at scenery and sunsets, his appearance is one of enjoyment;
he appears to have feeling in the conscious presence of that which we
call beautiful or glorious. I have seen a grizzly looking at a
magnificent and many-colored sunset, completely absorbed. There was no
fear at a flash of lightning or the roar and echoing roll of thunder.
Once I saw a grizzly turn to stare at the course of a shooting star;
another gazed for seconds at a brilliant rainbow.
Generally the grizzly's attention to these demonstrations rose superior
to commonplace curiosity; he looked long, he listened closely, he was
absorbed, and he appeared to feel as he sat lost in wonder. Had he been
a child, with the power of speech, he certainly would have asked
questions. Often his expression, his attitude, indicated that he was
saying to himself: "What was that? What caused it? Where did that noise
come from? What are those strange shadows running from, and how can they
move without a sound?"
On the Defensive
In the grizzly bear we have the leading animal of North America, and one
who might well be put at the head of the wild life of the earth. He has
brain and brawn. He is self-contained and is prepared for anything. He
makes an impressive appearance. He looks capable. He has bulk, agility,
strength, endurance, repose, courage, enthusiasm, and curiosity. He is a
masterful fighter if forced to defend himself.
But, a century ago, fifty years ago, or to-day, one could ramble the
grizzly's territory in safety--unless attempting to kill a grizzly. The
grizzly objects to being killed. If he is surprised or crowded so that
he sees no escape, if the cubs are in danger or the mother thinks they
are, or if the bear is wounded, there will be a fight or a retreat; and
the grizzly will not be the one retreating. Almost every animal--wild or
domestic--will fight if cornered or if he thinks himself cornered.