The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-01-10
AtPENNSYLVANIA BEAR.
He Gives an Experienced Hunter
Hard Struggle for His Life.

lie Gives an Experienced Hunter
| Hard Struggle for His Life.
| One Of the most thrilling encounters
with bruin that has happened in the
state this season occurred near Kyler-
town, in the Alleghanies, just across
| the Center county line in Clearheld
county. William Mason, known in that
locality as Hunter Bill" because of
| his proves as a Nimrod, was out on
the trail Thursday looking for anything
seasonable to shoot While plodding
| along in the vicinity of Sandy Hill, a
rather dense part Of the mountains a
few miles west of Karthaus, along the
Susquehanna river, he was confronted
by monster bear. Accustomed as he
is to such s urprises, this one rather
took the breath away from the sturdy
hunter because of the unusual size of
Bruin. Mason alleged that he looked
like big three-year- black steer
with his legs cut down.
In that particular locality the Allie
ghanies are of the most rugged nature,
and to get around with safety one must
be possessed of a sure foot and unusu-
ally steady nerve. or there Is great dan
sand feet below to the base of the
mountain. The moment that the bear
and Mason faced each other it was evil
dent that a fight to the death was
sure thing, and it was also evident that
if the hunters aim failed him on the
first shot he would have the struggle
of his life on his hands.
Mason brought his rifle to his shoul-
der and fired, but instead Of sending
the lead to vital spot the bullet lodged
in Bruins shoulder, somewhat disa-
bling that member, but thoroughly
arousing the bear.
Enraged with the pain, with terri
BILE growl Bruin before the hunter had
time to replace the empty shell with
loaded one, rushed upon the man. Ma
son dubbed his gun, but was unable to
stop or even check the animals tremen-
dous PUSHES, Mason was knocked down
several times, but the agility of the
man born to the woods evaded the
grip of the bear, and he always sue
ceeded in regaining his feet, though
his clothing was torn in shreds, and his
body and arms lacerated by the bears
claws.
hdSOH III was hIlOCh6u IIOIl Ills
grasp and he had only his hunting knife
to rely upon to save him from death.
With courage born of the desperation
Of the situation Hunter Bill grabbed
his knife and cut and slashed wherever
the bear got within reach Once again
the hunter was sent to earth by a
strok of the giants paws, and, weak |
from the loss of blood and the unequal
contest, it was with difficulty he re-
gained his feet in time to avoid being
pinned.
Just when Mason believed he would |
nave to succumb TO the bears greater |
)rowess he noticed that Bruin was also !
weakening from the loss of blood. |
Taking heart once more, he steaded |
himself in time to receive the bear in |
mother and last rush. Springing |
quickly to one side, Mason plunged his
tnife to the hilt in the bears side just |
Jack Of the shoulder, and both fell over
n utter exhaustion. The bears mas
i've frame quivered, but his strength |
leased.
1t was some time before Hunter
3ilr' could gather strength sufficient to
make his way to the German settle
nent several miles away where he was
eceived with wild-eyed wonderment on
he recital of his tale Of the wonderful
ombat and his escape from death
Iason's wounds We're dressed and then /
ersons went in search of the bear,
ringing the dead carcass to the settle
nent. When dressed it was found to
ip the scales at a little over six hun
red pounds. Mason received num-
err of ugly scratches that will mark
I'M for life.-Pttsburg (Pa.) CONNER
iaI C,azette