Grizzlies of the Far West

Before the legendary bear was nearly driven to extinction, Ursus horribilis ruled the forests and plains of the Pacific Coast. The American Indians who resided in the Mount Shasta region of northern California believed the Great Spirit had created the grizzly bear to serve as master over all other animals. Many a White man who settled on the West Coast of the United States may have been inclined to agree with them when laying eyes on such a large and dangerous mammal. “In attacking a man, he