As the giant grizzly approached, it's terrible roar filled the air with terror and fear...

"Hello?" Jim answered the phone at his rural home in southern Arizona. "Yes, this is Jim Phillips, to whom am I speaking to?" he asked. The voice on the other end was quite a ways off, in fact the call was coming from northern Canada. "Mr. Phillips, this is Major Jones of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, we have a bear problem up here and your name was the only one that could be considered as a solution to the situation." "One minute please, major do you mind if I record this call?" asked Jim. "Not at all sir" came the reply. Jim turned on the speaker phone and the recorder, picked up his iced tea and settled down in his big leather chair with a pad and pencil and said, "Ok major, let's have it."

Almost an hour later, Jim said goodbye to the major and turned off the two machines. Turning off the lights and locking the doors, Jim grabbed the recorder and headed upstairs to his bedroom. After a hot shower, he rewound the tape and started it from the beginning as he stood on the veranda and watched the night sky. In the distance were the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, mere shadows illuminated by the full moon in the cloudless sky. His attention was drawn to the sound of the voice reaching his ears. "He's a big one Mr. Phillips, over nine feet upright and tipping the scales at just over 1300 pounds." He then heard his own voice responding. "I thought that grizzlies rarely went over 1000 pounds and a max height of about seven feet tall?" "Yes sir" came the voice again, "normally that is true but this fellow has exceeded all the normal rules. Now he's come down from the high country and has been exposed to the abundance of food provided by man. He's killed sixteen steers and four dogs already this month. Why he's even been seen near the elementary school by the night janitor. The public is so scared that they won't even send their children to school." The voice continued on, "I've got armed men patrolling the streets with orders to shoot to kill. So far he's eluded all of my men. That's why we need you. We'll take care of all your expenses and get you whatever equipment you need.

Jim had listened to all that was said. There was a lot to be considered. His mind went back several years, to a camping trip he and his brother had been on. They were in bear country, in fact it was in the general area where this bear was now on the rampage. There had not been any sightings as of yet, because it was only into the first few days of the Spring thaw. On the third day they were fishing beside a fast moving stream. Each of them had already caught several nice fat rainbow trout. They were across the stream from each other and just below a small waterfall. There was a deep pool at the base of the falls and they would cast into the base of the falls and the force of the falling water would push their lures into the depths of the pool. The unwary trout would spot the bait and strike and then dart off down stream. Jim's brother; David had always been a better fisherman than he. He had just tossed a large trout into the basket behind him. As he turned and started the action to get his fly back into the flow of the water, he held up all five fingers to show off to his brother that he now had five fish to his brother's three. As Jim watched his brother's antics, he became aghast at what he also saw. Directly behind his brother was a large male grizzly. He'd evidently smelled the fresh fish and was hungry. Jim shouted and waved his arms back and forth. His brother thought he was just acting silly. After a couple of minutes though his brother was still jumping around and pointing in his direction. At closer notice, he seemed to be agitated about something. "Jim was never a good loser" said David out loud as he turned to retrieve the walkie-talkie beside the basket. They both had decided to carry them in case they got separated.

As David reached for the radio, he saw or rather first smelled the horrible breath and then heard the roar even above the noise of the waterfall. There standing upright over his captured fish was the huge male grizzly. Fresh from his winter nap, this fellow was plenty hungry and had no intention of letting this puny little creature keep him from a free meal.

Now David was a stubborn cuss also and he was not about let this hairy fellow take his breakfast. He'd heard that if you yell and make agressive jesters to a bear, that he would turn and run away. That fact is usually true for a small black bear, but definitely not so for a full grown hungry grizzly. Not knowing this, David started his approach, hollering and waving his fly rod at the beast. This action confused the bear. So David figured he'd heard right and increased his actions. Well ole mister bear was confused for a second maybe two. He lunged forward and knocked David completely off his feet with one swipe of his giant paw. His claws opening the whole side of his face and puncturing Al's juglar vein in his neck. As Al's life's blood gushed forth, the smell of the blood incested the bear and he attacked the already limp body. Jim watched in horror from across the stream. Knowing his brother was already dead, he did no or could not move.

What seemed like hours, but in actuality was only a couple of minutes, the bear finally ambled off into the brush. Jim waited and saw him reappear downstream about 50 yards away. He drank and looked in Jim's direction. But Jim had stepped behind a tree to keep from being seen by the creature. The bear finally lumbered off father downstream. Putting common sense aside with fear for himself and his brother, Jim dropped his rod and started wading across the stream. As he approached the scene, he knew at once that there was no hope for David. His brother's body was torn and ripped apart from the force of the attack. Stiffness from the total lack of blood was already starting to affect the body. The smell from the blood soaked ground assaulted Jim's nostrils. But aside from that the smell of the bear that had caused this carnage still was the prevailing scent. A noise startled Jim and he turned fully expecting to be face to face with his brother's killer. A few feet away sat Al's catch basket, the last fish he caught was flopping around in the basket. There they sat untouched and here lay his brother who refused to give them to the bear.

"Sir!, Sir!" the stewardess was trying to bring Jim out of his painful memory. Jim looked up and responded with a "HUH?" "We're preparing to land sir, I need you to fasten your safety belt." As the plane touched down and taxied toward the terminal, Jim noticed two military looking vehicles parked out on the tarmac, blue lights flashing. Standing beside the Land Rover stood a tall figure dressed in RCMP colors. Very impressed by his stature and crisp appearance, Jim immediately respected the man. As the engines wound down, the door of the plane was opened and a mobile stairway was rolled into place. As Jim descended the stairs, there at the bottom stood the mountie he had seen from the window. "Major Jones, I presume?" said Jim. The man snapped to attention, saluted sharply. He then smiled a big smile and extended his hand, "Please call me Michael" said the major. "OK Michael, but only if you call ne Jim" he replied. "Right!" responded the mountie. "Well Jim, we've got a long way to go and we'd best get started. Do you have the list of the items you need?" Jim reached into a sacthel and handed the major a type written list of the items he felt he would need. The major glanced it over without comment as they walked towards the vehicles. "Sargent!" barked the major. "Yes Sir!" said the noncom as he snapped to attention. "Sarge" said the major, "meet Jim Phillips, he's going to rid us of furry menace." The noncom extended his hand, snapped his heels together and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Phillips" "Thank you sargent" responded Jim, "but please call me Jim." "OK sir, and just call me sarge" he answered back. Jim raised his eyebrows in question, and the major said, "The sarge doesn't like his given name, so we all just call him sarge." "Alright!" said Jim, "I can respect that, Sarge it is." They all laughed. "Sarge" said the major, "here's Mr. Phillips, I mean Jim's supply list, see to it and meet us at the jump-off point. "Right sir!" responded Sarge, taking the list, he climbed into the other vehicle and drove off with a wave. "Now!" said the major, rubbing his hands together, "I'm in the mood for a nice thick beefsteak, how about you?"

Fifteen minutes later they stopped in front of a non-descript looking building on the outskirts of the city. As they entered, the cool air felt good after the heat of the airport. Apparently the major had called ahead and the waiter was all ready for them. A table overlooking a senic lakeside window was prepared for them. After they were seated and their drink order taken, the waiter came up and asked the major, "the usual sir?" The major looked at Jim and asked, "medium-rare?" Jim nodded. "Right!, the regular times two James" said the major. Immediately they were served with hot towels. Then a pitcher of southern style iced tea. Two large salads with a choice of seven dressings, a large basket of fresh steaming rolls, a variety like Jim had never seen before. After the salad and several of the rolls, Jim was ready to call it quits, but them came two huge bowls of steaming stew, more rolls and more tea. The major put his spoon down after finishing his stew and said, "Well enough of these appetizers, let's get down to the main course." The waiter placed the two platters on the table in front of each man. Jim almost fainted. There before him was a 60oz. 1 1/2 inch, not fat, no bone steak. "Is something wrong Jim?" asked the major noticing the look on Jim's face. "Uh, no Michael" responded Jim. "But do you eat like this all the time?" The major laughed out loud. "Lord no! I only get into town about once every three of four months. This is my reward for months on the frontier. Enjoy!"

Try as he might, Jim could not keep up with this energetic giant. For every mouthful that Jim took, the major had two sometimes three. Finally he heard the major say, "My that was good, I think I'll have a coffee on the veranda, care to join me Jim?" As Jim looked up, he noticed that the major's plate was as clean as if it had just been washed. Jim's on the other hand still had over 2/3's of his steak and a goodly portion of the rest of his food. "Sure," replied Jim. "Not to worry about that" said the major pointing to the remaining food. James will have it all boxed and ready for us by the time we leave."

The two men, both outdoor enthusiasts sat on the veranda, admiring the vivid colors of a northern sunset. "So" started Jim, "tell me some more about our furry friend." The major didn't respond at first. He took a long pull on his cigar and gazed off into the sunset. "Like I said on the phone, Jim, he's a big one, bigger than most and twice as cunning. Most bears around these parts are predictable to a fault. This one however is the exception to the rule. Every time we try to outsmart him, he goes and turns the table on us. Several of my hunters have actually become the hunted and barely got away. That's why we need your help Jim, I'm familiar with your situation and understand why you are in the bruin business. "Well" said Jim, "maybe I do have a trick or two up my sleeve, that this ole northern fellow hasn't learned yet. "I certainly hope so" said the major. "I certainly hope so" he repeated.

The two men finished their cigars and brandy in silence, each deep in their own thoughts. As the sun disappeared behind the distant mountains, the colors of the sunset were so brilliant that Jim could not remember seeing one so beautiful. As they were ready to leave the waiter handed Jim a large grocery sized bag. "Your doggie bag sir" he said with a smile. "Hmmm, mighty big dog" said the major with a grin "Mighty big!"

An hour later, the vehicle rolled to a stop beside the truck already waiting at the pre-deterimed spot. Jim leaned out of the window and said, "Hey Sarge, did you get something to eat?" "No sir" he responded, "I'll grab something when we get to camp, not to worry." Jim looked at the major and asked, "How long till we reach camp Michael?" "About six hours, why?" queried the major. Jim pointed to the "doggie bag" and said "Do you mind?" Chuckling to himself he said, "Not at all Jim, not at all." Jim handed the sargent the bag and said, "here, your boss tried to feed me for a month, all at once!" "Are you sure sir?" asked Sarge, already his taste buds were reacting to what might be in the bag. "I'm sure, believe me I'm sure" responded Jim. "Sargent!" called the major, "we'll stop at Bear Creek for a rest, follow me" "Right sir!" said the sargent already reaching into the bag as he put the truck into gear.

Three hours later, they stopped at a pull-off in the road. As they got out of the truck, the major reached for a high-powered rifle equipped with a night scope from behind the seat. Jim looked at the major questionably. "There's a reason they call this Bear Creek Jim. Take this and look in that direction" said the major pointing over Jim's shoulder. Taking the rife, Jim noticed that it was fully loaded and that a round was in the chamber. Putting the scope to his eye, he turned it on. He focused the eye piece and was amazed at what came into view. There, not a hundred yards away were no less than 40 bears, ranging in size from cubs to full-grown females and several silver-flecked males. Jim was taken aback by what he saw. "Not to worry Jim" said the major, "they're on the other side of the stream. And no they can't just wade across. At this point it's too deep and too wide, they'd have to swim it." "Then, why this?" asked Jim, pointing to the rifle. "Just in case" replied the major. "Hey Sarge!" called the major, "let's take a look at what you picked up." "Sir!" replied the sargent as he wiped the last crumb from his lips and tossed the totally empty sack into the trash can. He unlocked the rear doors of his vehicle and turned on the interior lights. Stacked on both sides of the truck was each and every item that Jim had on his list. Jim checked them off mentally and turned just as the major squeezed the trigger and hit a rock next to a large female who was starting to cross the river in their direction. Some of the other larger animals were also starting to edge towards the creekside. "I think it's time for us to go Jim" said the major. "I think you're right" answered Jim as he climbed back into the smaller vehicle. As they pulled away Jim looked into the mirror and saw the first bear climb over the wall exactly where they had been standing only moments ago.

Exactly three hours later they arrived at their final destination, the RCMP headquarters for the district. For as late at night as it was, the place was lit up. Floodlights illuminated the parade ground, the motor pool and the landing pads, for the fleet of helicopters stationed here and especially the stables where a virtual herd of horses were kept. Searchlights on all four corners of the compound were scouring the darkness surrounding the camp. Armed sentries were patrolling the entire area, each and every one of them were armed with rifles identical to the one the major carried. "I guess you weren't kidding?" said Jim. "I wish I was Jim" said the major, "I wish I was".

A corporal ran up to the truck as it rolled to a stop. As he snapped to attention and saluted, he then held a muffled conference with his superior officer. "Show us" commanded the major. The three men walked to a place next to the kennels. A large section of the 10ft high chain-link fence had been destroyed. Checking the dirt around the damage they found a paw print. Jim put his hands side by side inside the outline of that impression. How big did you say this fellow was major?" asked Jim. The corporal gawfawed as he said, "big enough to tear down that bloody fence, eat four of my dogs while 10 others were attacking it!" "Corporal!" snapped the major. "Yes Sir!" said the corporal, he turned to Jim and said, "Sorry sir." "That's alright corporal" said Jim, "I understand exactly how you feel, believe me."

As the trio reached the kennels, a sight met their eyes that immediately took Jim back to the banks of that creek years ago. There was blood everywhere. The dogs were still in a frenzy. "How long ago?" asked the major. "Little over an hour sir" responded the corporal. "Alright, get it cleaned up and secured right away." commanded the officer. "Yes sir, permission to post the dogs in the barn sir?" asked the corporal. "Negative" replied the major, "use hanger three, that bird is out for repair and in the morning we'll only have to hose it out instead of shovel the barn." The major pointed to hanger three, it was on the other side of the compound and would put the animals far away from the smells of death and the closeness of it. "Sir!" said the corporal snapped a salute and went about his duties.

"As soon as I get everything unloaded, I'll turn in for the night. I want to get an early start in the morning," said Jim. "Not to worry, I'm sure that Sarge has already moved everything into your quarters. We gave you a small house attached to the stables. You can take your pick of any of the horses you want. I suggest you try the chestnut mare at the far end. She's a sweetheart, but she's as strong and capable as any we have." "Yours, right?" asked Jim. The major just nodded.

As he opened the door to the house, Jim was amazed, everything from the trucks was unloaded and arranged exactly as if Jim had done it himself. Even his bags were unpacked, clothes hung properly. The bed turned down. A fresh pot of coffee was perking away on the wood-burning stove. His rifle had been field stripped, cleaned and re oiled then placed on his desk for inspection. Jim smiled and shook his head, there was nothing left to do but pour a mug of coffee and sit down in front of the window. After pouring his coffee, he turned off the lights and opened the window. He pulled over an over-stuffed armchair and propped his feet up on the sill. He closed his eyes and just sat there. After a few minutes he opened his eyes and started to sip his coffee. As he did he heard it off in the distance. The roar of a full grown grizzly after a kill. The sound echoed down the valley where he now sat. He lifted his cup in a mock toast to the beast and said, "I'll see you soon my friend". After that he closed the window and went to bed.

The smell of fresh perked coffee and the sound of sizzling slabs of ham woke Jim with a hunger that he never thought he'd again have after yesterday with the major. Despite the repass from the night before, his stomach was growling with anticipation. The sargent stood over the wood stove, he was placing steaming slabs of ham on a platter. He then placed the platter next to several already on the table. They contained flapjacks, bacon, toast and fresh baked biscuits. There were three types of preserves, two types of honey and an assortment of fruit spreads to choose from. Seeing that Jim was awake, the sargent asked, "How do you like your eggs sir?" "Over easy" replied Jim. "Over easy it is sir, breakfast is ready, have a seat." Jim washed his face in the basin and then sat down, just as the sargent poured about a dozen eggs into a large skillet without breaking a single yolk. There were two place settings on the table. "Care to join me Sarge" asked Jim. "I was hoping you'd ask sir, I hope I made enough" replied the sargent with a grin. "I think enough for the whole garrison" said Jim, "it looks great." "Thank you sir" said the sargent.

"Before we start Sarge, if we are going to get along at all I insist that you call me by my first name" said Jim. "Ok sir, I mean Jim, and you can call me David" replied the sargent. Jim got real quiet, he dropped his head and stared at the plate for a long time. "Is everything OK Jim? Are you alright" asked David. "No, nothing's wrong, I'm ok, it's just that my brother's name was David." replied Jim. "Was sir?" asked David. "Yes was, David was killed by a relative of the hairy fellow out there that we're going to try and catch. Who knows might even be the same animal. "The only thing I know about the bear that killed my brother is that he has a large nick out of his right ear." said Jim. "Uh, did you say right ear Jim?" asked David. "Yeah" answered Jim. "Why?" David went to a stack of papers that he'd been going over earlier. In it were pictures from the surveillance cameras last night. Picking out one picture in particular, he slid it across the table to Jim. It was a close up of the bear's head as he passed close to the camera. Plainly visible was a large nick in the right ear of the animal. Sitting there holding a picture of his brother's killer, the expedition now took on a more important meaning for at least one of the men.

A knock came at the door, David opened it to admit the major. The sargent snapped to attention as the major entered. "As you were sarge" said the major. "In fact you'd better get to your quarters and get your gear together if you are going to ride with Jim here." The sargent just smiled and opened the pantry door. There stacked against the wall was yet another stack of equipment. The major just laughed, "Well you'd better change your tunic anyway, that scarlet red might just make our friend high tail it into the hills and..." Before he finished his sentence the sargent had removed his tunic. He was wearing civilian clothes under his uniform. The major just looked and laughed again. "Well I guess you've got your side kick Jim." "And darn proud to have him sir," said Jim. "Welcome aboard sarge, uh I mean David" said Jim as he extended his hand. "Glad to be part of the team Jim" replied David. Turning to the major, he saluted and said, "Thank you sir." The major again laughed turned around and started to leave. Stopping at the door he turned, "Let's get that beast gentlemen!" Both men snapped to attention together and said "Yes Sir!"

An hour later the pair rode out of the compound on horseback. Each had two pack horses attached to their mounts. They both carried side arms and had a high-powered rifle like the whole garrison in their rifle scabbards. It seemed like the whole garrison had turned out to see the pair off. As they kneed their mounts into a light trot they felt as well as heard the big steel gate shut behind them. Heading straight for the tree line, they were soon engulfed by the greenery of the foothills. It was like they had entered another world. The sounds of the garrison were lost in the muffling qualities of the evergreen trees surrounding the little expedition.

They had planned to ride north by northwest for at least two days. It seems as though the creature would disappear for two or three days after a large kill. After six hours in the saddle, Jim was ready for some footwork. He suggested that they stop for a rest. David said there was a cabin just ahead where they could stop for the night. Jim had no idea that just ahead meant two more hours in the saddle. When they finally did reach the cabin, Jim was defiantly ready to get off his horse. "Another good thing about this place is that there is a secure place for the animals." said David.

As Jim started to take his gear off his mount, David said, "Why don't you have a look around Jim, I'll take care of the gear and get supper started." "Really, are you sure David?" asked Jim. "Not a problem" he replied. Grateful beyond words Jim slowly, very slowly ambled off down the trail. He did however take his side arm and his rifle after being advised to do so by David.

Almost a mile later Jim came across something which made him retch. He had stopped beside a small stream to get a drink and when he bent over a small pool, there floating in the water was the half-eaten remains of one of the garrison's great danes. Jim and David had a pre-arranged signal; three quick shots from their side arm and the other would come right away. Less than five minutes after giving the signal, Jim heard the hoofbeats approaching at full gallop. He waved David over to the pool and asked him if this was the remains of one of their dogs, even though he knew in his heart it was. David just nodded and remembered that his was one of his favorites. He removed the RCMP tag from around the neck and put it into his pocket. I'd say we're no more than 12 hours behind him. He's in no hurry, but he will be when he knows we're on his trail. David dug a shallow grave and placed the remains of the animal in it. After sprinkling some poison on the carcass he covered it over. "If he comes back for a snack, he's going to have one heck of a tummy ache" said David.

The ride back to the cabin was uneventful and very quiet. Each man was lost in his own thoughts, David now had revenge for the beast killing his favorite pet. And Jim of course, revenge for his brother's death. Upon their arrival, David took Jim's reins and said, "I'll take care of the animals Jim, if you want to take a shower, supper will be ready in about 20 minutes." Jim was grateful, right now he was not in the mood for small talk.

Supper was uneventful, very little conversation was engaged. Pleasantries were engaged in only as necessary. After the meal, Jim went on the porch and watched the sunset. David came out with two mugs of steaming coffee and two cigars. As they lit up and settled down in the two rocking chairs brought from inside, Jim started telling David about his brother's death. Davis didn't say a word until Jim had finished. As Jim got up to go inside he said, "Good night Jim." "Good night David" came the reply.

A robust breakfast awaited Jim when he arose. As he entered the kitchen, he poured two cups of coffee. As he handed one to David he began, "David, I want to apologize for last night. Seeing that dog in the water just set me off." "Not a problem Jim, I understand completely. If you ever need to get anything off your chest, you'll find I'm a very good listener." "Thanks David" said Jim, "I may take you up on that from time to time." The rest of the day they travelled deeper into the bear's territory. They saw sure signs that they were going in the right direction. Feces piles with bits of animal remains were plainly evident. Also several rubs on trees were also visible. Just before dark, the last feces pile was barely warm. "He's close, within five miles!" said Jim. "But it's too late to find him now. David" he went on, "we need a camp with a really big fire that has to be kept going all night, actually two fires would be better. After a quick supper, Jim said "I'll take the first watch. Relieve me about 2am." "OK" replied David. "Good night Jim" he said. "G'night" came the reply.

About 1am, Jim heard David start to stir. he stoked up the fire and put on a pot of coffee. A few minutes later he brought each of them a large mug of the hot liquid. "I thought this might warm you up before you turned in" said David. Jim gratefully took the cup and sipped the steaming contents. "Hmmm, that really hits the spot, thanks David" he said. All the sudden a lone wolf howled his mournful song at the moon. "I guess that ole Mr. Bear isn't anywhere near, what do you think?" asked David. "Nope!" replied Jim. "He's out there alright" nodding toward the darkness outside the ring of light provided by the two blazing bonfires. "He's watching us right now, waiting to see what our next move is going to be." "I know one thing" replied David picking up his rifle and slamming home a cartridge in to the breech of the weapon. "i'll show him what I'll do next, if he shows his face around here."

The rest of the night was uneventful. After breakfast they began packing up. Carrying their bedrolls to the horses, both of them stopped dead in their tracks. There before them in a complete circle around the entire camp were the unmistakably track of their advesary. "This guy's good!" said Jim. "He could have killed us both and then the animals, but he wants to let us know he's around and watching." For the first time David was speechless, he started looking around, a worried look on his face. "I can't believe it!" he exclaimed. "Why didn't I see him?, I mean I let the fires go down just before dawn but I never slept!" "Don't chastise yourself David" said Jim. "This guy's a real smart animal, he's just checking us out. If he hadn't just eaten night before last we would have been in trouble. But I promise you this, he won't let it happen again. Next time he's in our camp, and... he will be he'll mean business." David looked at Jim with something between awe and admiration, "let's hope that doesn't happen any time soon" he said. "Right!" said Jim.

Jim had planned a full day of scouting around. Now that they were definitely in the bear's backyard they needed to find a place where they as well as the animals would be safe from a su prise attack. Finally about 3pm they found a place where their backs would be up against a sheer rock wall. There was even a slight depression in the face of the wall where they could corral the animals safely. They erected two lean-to shelters in front of the corral and a large bonfire would be lit each night. Behind the shelters was a cliff which dropped straight down for over a 100 feet. On the other side was a briar patch, the kind that did not have any fruit on it, so animals bears especially tended to avoid. It was a perfect box canyon effect. A picket fence was erected across the front of the camp, not designed to keep the animal out of camp but just keep him busy for a few seconds lest they be caught by su prise.

For two days they waited, setting out bait and other traps, all to no avail. They crouched in the bushes, hid behind rocks, even climbed trees. Waiting, watching for the bear to appear. At the end of the day they returned to camp. "Nope" he had not been here either. The horses calmly stood in the corral and their supplies had not been touched. Both men were confused and bewildered. Unknown, to the two men, the bear was also waiting. The past two days he had lain on a large rock outcropping across the valley from the hunter's camp. Who were these two creatures? What were the structures they had built? A simple mind, thinking only of food and survival. Yet this huge animal sat and watched. At night he retreated into the shadows. He visited all the temptations that these two strangers had left for him. He touched none. He stayed on the surrounding rocks or in leafy areas, consequently he left no prints indicating his presence. When hunger became an issue he travelled across the mount ian, killed an elk and devoured him completely.

Jim was getting impatient. Why hadn't the creature given in to the tasty treats that they had left for it? Had he left the area? What was going on? They were about to find out.

Using part of their supplies for traps left the men short of meat. So every day David would go out and try to find some game for them to eat. Today he decided to ask Jim to come along for the hunt. "Might as well" said Jim, "I'm not doing any good around here" They decided to cross the valley below and try the next mount ian over to the north. For most of the morning they had seen plenty of signs but no animals. Soon they came across a seemingly promising trail. As luck would have it the trail led to the exact spot where the bear had been watching the camp across the valley. The signs were everywhere, even a place where he had made a den to rest at night. As the two men went out on the rock out cropping, they looked across the valley and what they saw sent a shiver down each of their spines. Across the distance was their camp, in plain view. Standing on all fours in front of their barricade was the bear. They were at his camp and he was at theirs. David immediately dropped to his stomach, rammed a round into the chamber and sighted in on the animal. His finger started to tighten on the trigger, when Jim said "Not yet David" "What! I've got a perfect shot!" exclaimed David. "I want to see what he's going to do next" said Jim, then he continued "if he starts fro the animals then you've got my permission to shoot, but right now I just want to watch him." Alright Jim, you're the boss" said David, "but, one wrong move and he's mine!" "Agreed" replied the other man.

Two rifles were pointed a the beast. Two meant watched and waited through high-powered scopes, waited for the animal to make a wrong move. Jim was fascinated watching the creature. He would walk left and stand upright then walk right and stand upright. Each time that he stood he would let out a tremendous roar. This sound had a pronounced effect on the livestock. The were moving back and forth, trying to get away from the awful sound. Kicking and bucking, not wanting to be the next meal of the intruder. However nary a move did he make towards the compound. David's knuckle was almost white with pressure he had on the trigger of his gun. Glancing at Jim with a questioning look, Jim shook his head to indicate, "no, not yet". David relaxed, but continued to watch the creature with extreme diligence. The scene was repeated several times. Then the creature suddenly lumbered off into the woods. They caught various glimpses of the animal as he rambled off into the woods, finally disappearing over the rise between two small mountains.

"Let's go!" said Jim, as he got up. David wanted to stop and destroy the bear's den, but Jim stated that would be a big mistake. David just looked, then shook his head and followed Jim at a quick run, for Jim was already 50 yards ahead. Upon reaching their camp, both men could still smell the odor of the animal. It took the better part of an hour to calm down the horses. They had to cover the animals eyes with damp cloths in order to help. Then finally after everything was calmed down and they felt like they could relax, came the sound. The sound that has struck terror into men and beast alike for centuries. The roar of a full-grown grizzly bear. As the two men turned they saw him standing upright, inside their fence line. What was worse it was standing on their rifles, that they had lain down to tend to the animals. The animals who now were in quite a state of terror. Here was that sound again, but now they could not see it because of the cloths over their eyes. Two of the four pack horses broke their tethers and went galloping off. With eyes still covered they did not know where they were going. Their ears however were uncovered and they were trying to get away from that sound, no matter where it took them. To their demise it took them right over the edge of the cliff. Their screams of terror could be heard until they were snuffed out by their impact on the rocks below.

David pulled his service revolver and started pumping rounds into the beast. Jim could see little puffs of dust as the bullets hit the animal. He emptied the revolver into the animal, which had might as well been bothered by house flies for as much as the rounds affected it. Even though blood flowed freely from multiple wounds, there did not seem to be any affect on the bear itself. David looked at Jim with a look as if to say "Well what do we do now?" Jim nodded and pulled his own side arm. "I just did that!" thought David, "what does he expect to do with that pea-shooter?" Jim took careful aim, hesitated until he got the shot he was looking for and then fired. A small dart shot forth from the barrel and impaled itself deep in the animal right over the heart. The animal let out another tremendous roar, took one step forward then fell like a huge old tree. Stone dead.

David's mouth fell open, "What!, How!" he exclaimed. Jim was already moving toward the downed animal, the musty smell was so intense that they had to tie kerchief over their noses and mouths. "Uh, excuse me!" said David "just what did you have in that pea shooter Jim, liquid dynamite?" Jim straighten up and smiled, "Sort of, there was enough pure cyanide to kill a bull elephant instantly. Then Jim's voice lowered as he said. "David, I want you to get our rifles and all the ammunition we have and take it to the rocks above the corral, I've a feeling we're going to need them real soon. David, being a professional solider did as he was ordered. "It's not our fellow is it?" he asked. Jim shook his head, "No, this is his mate, this is a female, and I don't think he's going to be a bit happy when he gets back to the den and mama's not there to feed his three cubs." "Cubs?" asked David, "and how do you know that there are three?" "See here" said Jim as he show the other man the where the cubs had been feeding off their mother. "It's no wonder they ranged so far for food, don't they usually have only one cub?" asked David. "Yes, and rarely two, it's really rare for them to have more than two" answered Jim looking around. "right now we need to prepare to defend ourselves for this lady's old man. "Hey! if he shows up we'll just give him some of the same medicine we gave her" David said pointing to the carcass. "Only one problem there" replied Jim, "I never imagined there would be more than one bear. So I only packed one hypo." answered Jim.

Now that the cyanide was gone, the two men were going to have to rely on the conventional ammunition that they had brought with them. Carrying all they had they began to prepare fro battle. They gathered also some food and water. They had no idea how long they were going to be up there. After all the preparations were made above, they took time to reenforce the corral so the remainder of the horses couldn't"t get loose. Satisfied that all was in readiness, Jim motioned for them to remove themselves to the rocks. Not a minute too soon either, they both heard it at the same time. That horrendous roar of a grizzly. Strange it didn't seem to take as long to get up there this time as it did the first time. David had brought some jerky and biscuits, they both ate not from hunger but from pure nerves. "How long do you think?" asked David. "Not sure" replied Jim "maybe an hour maybe less." He was searching the next mount ian with his scope, he could see the three cubs milling around the den bawling for their mother but he did not see the other adult bear. "I wish I knew" he said, "I wish I knew."

Two hours had passed without sight of the beast. Both tried to nap to conserve their strength, they were now starting to get uncomfortable. Then they heard it. Branches breaking, exertion grunts from a large animal moving at full speed in their direction. He resembled a charging locomotive as he burst through the underbrush. Approaching his mate, he stopped short, stood upright on his hind legs and looked around. As he did he sniffed the air in all directions. Both men could almost feel the air drawn towards the creature. Jim had his scope trained directly on the bear's heart as did David. Both men were prepared to end this creatures life in the next moment. But neither of them put that extra pressure on their trigger fingers that would cause their weapons to fire. They watched in awe at this massive creature, larger than any know species on earth. Even the mighty kodiak would be dwarfed by this animal.

Finally he cam back down on all fours. He approached his mate and nudged her with his nose. A mourful noise came from the bushes and out came the three cubs. Overjoyed to see their mother, they all tried to get her into the feeding position, all the while emitting the sound that could only resemble a child crying. The male adult now nudged the cubs away from the carcass and ushered them away from the scene.

Jim could hardly believe that an adult male grizzly would exhibit such parental tendencies that he and David had just witnessed. Jim lowered his rifle and put on the safety, David however was sighting in for a kill shot. Jim put his hand on the barrel and gently pushed it down. David looked at him with astonishment. Jim held up a finger for him to wait and all would be explained. As the bear followed it's cubs back into the underbrush it turned, raised to an upright stance and roared one final time. This action was almost he undoing as David raised his rifle and was beading in on the animals heart. But before the round could be sent to it's intended target, the bear again lowered to all fours and disappeared into the bushes. Jim whispered not to make a move just yet. For fifteen minutes more they sat motionless, until Jim pointed to the outcropping across the valley. There standing on his hind legs stood the bear, it's off spring milling around him. Not a sound came from the animal. He then lowered himself and led the three younger bruins over the saddle back and father away from their slain mother and civilization.

David finally could contain himself no longer. He turned and said it. "Why?" That's all he had to say. "Just think about it" started Jim, "we've already killed their mother, now we kill their father, now instead of one problem bear maybe two we have four. I believe that the male is taking them deeper into the wilderness away from man and his influence. I don't believe they'll be back." "I hope you're right" said David. "But, what do we tell them back at town?" he asked. Well they sent us here to kill a big bear, bigger than most." He looked toward the big female laying there. "I'll call it in" said David.

An hour later David came to Jim, who was busy measuring and examining the bear. As he approached, Jim without looking up said "over 1300 lbs, about eight feet tall, a two-hand span on all four paws, I think they'll buy it. David replied with a smile sort of, "We'll find out in the morning, the major is flying out in the big chopper. He wants to take this lady back home for all to see.

As the helicopter touched down, the major leaped out of the craft, camera in hand, clicking away as fast as the shutter would allow him to do. He had both Jim and David stand in front of the bear, behind the bear, holding up the head, any position that offered a decent photo. While the others loaded the dead animal into a sling harness, the major was all cu do's and praise for the hunters. "I brought a couple of wranglers along to take your gear back. You two are riding back with us. After gathering a few of their personal possessions, they all climbed aboard the big RCMP helicopter. As it slowly lifted off the ground, the ropes tightened and the bear was suspended beneath it.

Three weeks later Jim received a package from the major. It contained the exact measurements, weight and height of the animal. There was a plaster cast made of the left front paw. There was also copies of all the pictures that he had taken. As Jim looked through the photos, it saddened him at the taking of the cubs mother but glad that the other adult had taken them away from man. A sizeable check made out to Jim was also enclosed. It included a generous bonus. There was another envelope on the very bottom of the box, it was sealed and marked with the notation "TO JIM PHILLIPS; FOR YOUR EYES ONLY" as Jim opened it he found two more pictures. They were of David and the bearskin, they had tanned it an hung it in the command office in the RCMP headquarters. Jim noticed that David was pointing to something on the bear's head. The second picture was a closeup of that area. There with David's hand under it to give definition was the bear's right ear. There plainly visible was a sizable chunk out of the ear... strange thought Jim, that looks awful fresh, then he laughed to himself and then out loud.