A FEW MORE BEAR FACTS

A National Park without bears would be like Potash without Perlmutter. In fact it sometimes seems as though the whole Park revolves about Bruin's antics. Our visitors may admire the regal beauty of the "Mountain"; they may marvel at the unsurpassed floral display which characterizes the sub-alpine parks -- but their trip is never complete until they have seen a bear. Permanent residents in the Park are also interested in Mr. Ursus americanus, but in a different manner. They know that, while he may be very interesting to the casual visitor, he is essentially a "Peck's Bad Boy" that often grows to bushel measure if given the chance. Many of them make the rounds of camps, hotels and residences where they exact an unfailing tribute from the kitchens -- and it is just too bad if some tasty, unguarded morsel comes within range of Bruin's sense of smell.

Sometimes it seems as if they have some means of relaying grub-stake information. The other day one of Betty's last years cubs was coaxed into position for a picture by means of a chunk of bread. Soon after he departed but it wasn't long before another of the brood, who are just learning to forage for themselves, made his appearance. He, too, feasted while the camera shutter clicked merrily.

There seems to be some difference of opinion on the name of the bear who is the mother of these triplets. For the sake of argument we shall call her "Betty" (what's in a name anyway). Last year she turned up with three tiny cubs, two being black and the third being brown.

Her efforts at feeding herself and the three lively youngsters showed that she possessed a rare insight into human nature. But in spite of the fact that she would never refuse anything that was offered she clearly resented being separated from her cubs -- much to the dismay of several who attempted to get a "close up" photo of the group. They were often rewarded with the desired "close up" -- but sometimes it was a trifle too close for comfort.

This spring she and her cubs returned to the old stamping grounds, and her entry into the field was heralded by garbage cans being overturned and their contents scattered about at random, not to mention several screened coolers that were ripped from the moorings on back porches. She was evidently giving her youngsters a final examination on foraging for themselves for she soon left them and now they are doing their best to put their knowledge to practical use. Judging from the way the brown cub was working on a cooler the other day they must have passed with honors.

Mr. Collens, the Park Electrician, reports that bears recently put two telephone lines out of commission. They ripped them down and then chewed the insulation from the wires. Some years ago a bear, in search of food, managed to climb into a car whose owners were away on a short hike. In rummaging around among the articles that he found therein he sat down on the horn. Bruin had never heard such a noise and to escape the new terror he suddenly took up flying -- which didn't do the car any good. Moral: Don't feed the bears and don't leave food in your car if it is parked, unattended, along the road.

IN APPRECIATION

The "renewal" blank that was included in last month's Nature News Notes was very productive of comment and many personal notes were received from all over the country. Not only did the greater percentage of old "subscribers" express their desire to continue but many new names were added to our mailing list as well. It is indeed a pleasure to know that so many people are interested in the "Mountain" and that the effort that goes into this publication is not wasted.

We shall be glad to send Nature News Notes to anyone in the United States who is interested in this region -- and we always appreciate comment and suggestions of any kind.