In the latter event he trusts chiefly to his claws.

If cornered, he of course makes a rush for freedom, and in that case he downs any man who is in his way with a sweep of his great paw, but passes on without stopping to bite him.

If while sleeping or resting in thick brush some one suddenly stumbles on him close up he pursues the same course, less from anger than from fear, being surprised and startled.

Moreover, if attacked at close quarters by men and dogs he strikes right and left in defence.
Sometimes what is called a charge is rather an effort to get away.

In localities where he has been hunted, a bear, like every other kind of game, is always on the look-out for an attack, and is prepared at any moment for immediate flight.