Dan Bjornlie cocks his ear toward the gaping mouth of the bear den.

[Len Backus]

DUBOIS -- Dan Bjornlie cocks his ear toward the gaping mouth of the bear den.

Around him the forest is silent -- save for a faint scratching coming from beneath the earth.

The female black bear he tranquilized only moments before isn't going to sleep.

Scratch, scratch, scratch.

She disappears from view in her den. Her cranky hissing and growling subsides -- for the moment.

Scratch, scratch, scratch.

Then he realizes what's happening.

She's coming out the top.

He looks at the crowd gathered behind him. They stare, unable to look away from what is about to happen.

In a barely audible whisper, he commands them.

"Everyone get the hell out of here."

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