[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th + We travled 18 miles & Camped on deer Creek which abounds with game. I walked up the Creek with my gun 2 miles. I came near a large griselly bear quarelling with her Cubs. I did not think it prudent to approach her alone. I crossed the Creek, went on to a high Bluff & she came out onto an open place whare I had a view of her. I found She was working down the creek towards the camp.
I went to camp & reported & Brother's Young, Kimball, Richards & Benson walked up the creek to view A Coal mine. And they came within 4 rods of the old Bear with two Cubs before they saw her. The old bear took After them. Br Kimball shot at her with his rifle But did not hit her. Br Benson Could not get his rifle off. Br Young shot at the cubs 3 times with a 7 shooter pistol. Knocked one of them over but he got up & followed the mother who rose a high Bank whare the Brethren stood. They left the ground & retreated to a high rock. The Bears then left following them & took to the timber. Soon men & dogs were on the ground from Camp but it became dark & the dogs would not follow & we gave up the chase. It was 20 rods from the Brethren when the Bear attacked them & did not see it.
There were two Antilope killed to day And A Frenchman that was travelling in Company with us shot A vary fat Buffalo cow & distributed a good share of it in our camp which was excellent eating. There was Also two Buffalo Bulls killed to day. /18 mile./
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
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