It was so close that the man had no chance to fire.
Its fore-arms hung useless and as it reared unsteadily on its hind-legs, lunging forward at him, he seized it by the ears and strove to hold it back.

His strength was very great, and he actually kept the huge head from his face and braced himself so that he was not overthrown; but the bear twisted its muzzle from side to side, biting and tearing the man's arms and shoulders.

Another soldier jumping down slew the beast with a single bullet, and rescued his comrade; but though alive he was too badly hurt to recover and died after reaching the hospital.

Buffalo Bill was given the bear-skin, and I believe has it now.
The instances in which hunters who have rashly followed grislies into thick cover have been killed or severely mauled might be multiplied indefinitely.

I have myself known of eight cases in which men have met their deaths in this manner.
It occasionally happens that a cunning old grisly will lie so close that the hunter almost steps on him; and he then rises suddenly with a loud, coughing growl and strikes down or seizes the man before the latter can fire off his rifle.