June-October 1881, Cruise of the Corwin, Part II Image 103

• Main Author: Muir, John
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Scholarly Commons 1881
• Subjects: John Muir; journals; drawings; writings; travel; journaling; naturalist; polar bear
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/jmj-all/2105; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/context/jmj-all/article/3104/type/native/viewcontent/fullsize.jpg

polar bear swimming deliberately toward the ship between the ice masses, only his head above water. After he came within 8 or 10 yards he was fired at and turned and made haste to get off, not diving however, but swimming fast and keeping his head turned to watch the huge pursuing ship steaming after him. He soon received a ball in the neck and stained the water with his blood. He made no sound however, only kept retreating until other shots completed the hardy fellow’s death. He was hoisted on board and seemed a truly noble animal, white with just a tinge of yellow (straw), magnificent paws, huge arms, his feet furred between the toes. He was young, half grown, only 6 ft. long. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/jmj-all/3104/thumbnail.jpg