The Collared Bear and the American Black Bear are somewhat peculiar in
their nature and habits.
The Ringed, Collared, or Siberian Bear owes its name to a large white
ring which surrounds its shoulders and fades away on the chest. The
Siberian Bear is much more formidable than the European variety. In the
gloomy and cold countries which it inhabits, the vegetation is not
sufficient to satisfy its appetite; it must therefore, fall back upon
some kind of animal food. It will also feed on fish, which it catches
cleverly, and on carcasses thrown on the seashore. It hunts the
Reindeer, and will often attack man. The inhabitants of Kamtschatka wage
a war of extermination against this animal.
The American Black Bear, on the contrary, is naturally one of the least
offensive animals. It has little taste for flesh. Even when hungry, if a
choice is offered between animal food and fruit, it does not hesitate in
selecting the vegetable substance. It swims well, and is fond of fish,
which it catches skillfully. It seldom attacks man, unless it is hunted;
as a rule, it prefers seeking safety in flight. It principally makes its
abode in the hollows of firs and pines, selecting the holes which are
the highest. Under these circumstances, the Americans capture it by
setting fire to the foot of the tree. This animal is hunted with great
activity, not only to put an end to its depredations in the corn-fields,
but also for the sake of its flesh, fat, and fur; the latter is used for
many purposes. The hams of the American Bear, when salted and smoked,
have a high reputation both in the United States and Europe.