The big logs and rocks he would tug and worry at with both paws; once, over-exerting his clumsy strength, he lost his grip and rolled clean on his back.

Under some of the logs he evidently found mice and chipmunks; then, as soon as the log was overturned, he would be seen jumping about with grotesque agility, and making quick dabs here and there, as the little, scurrying rodent turned and twisted, until at last he put his paw on it and scooped it up into his mouth.
Sometimes, probably when he smelt the mice underneath, he would cautiously turn the log over with one paw, holding the other lifted and ready to strike.

Now and then he would halt and sniff the air in every direction, and it was after one of these halts that he suddenly shuffled off into the woods.
Black bears generally feed on berries, nuts, insects, carrion, and the like; but at times they take to killing very large animals.

In fact, they are curiously irregular in their food.

They will kill deer if they can get at them; but generally the deer are too quick.