Lessons

Lessons

Mother watched her cubs scampering ahead. They were cute, but she had more on her mind. They were finally old enough to start learning the ways of bears. They had done some already, staying hidden and quiet, honoring their parents, always being aware of their surroundings. Now it was time to teach them to be away from their den. They would forage for food in the wood.

Coming to a clearing, Mother told them to wait. She’d seen humans there before, they needed to be careful. Stepping into an opening she could see a tent and boxes, items humans used. But she didn’t smell them here now. Perhaps they had left food, they sometimes did. Warning the cubs to be aware, and scamper if she told them to, they went over to the campsite.

The humans had left many things, even a whole box of food! The cubs were thrilled, a bounty on their first outing! Together they dragged and carried the food back home. It was going to be a great night!
...
Further out in the forest Grant was teaching his kids about camping. This was their first camping trip together and he was insisting the kids learn things right. The first job, gathering wood for their fire.

“Once we get back, we’ll need to make a rope hanger in the trees to keep our extra food off the ground. We wouldn’t want our supplies stolen,” he said.

“By who?” Jenny asked.

“Animals! Raccoons, foxes, maybe even bears!”

“Wow,” said Teddy, “I actually thought I saw a bear when we left the campsite. But, no.”

“Huh?” asked Dad, a bit distractedly.

“Well, I thought I saw a bear at the edge of the clearing when we left. But, I guess not. When I looked again, it was gone.”