Quotessence
Home / Books / Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness

Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness

Book by Doug Peacock · 2 quotes · Wildlife, Abiding, Aliens

Filter quotes by topic

AllWildlifeAbidingAliensBearConceptsContinentsGrizzlyGunsHomelandIndianLandLovelinessOriginalsPredatorSelf DefenseWholeWildernessWildlife Advocacy

Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness Quotes

“I froze. The grizzly paused, catching my movement, then lowered his head and with a sort of stiff-legged gait, ambled toward me swinging his head from side to side. I knew from having watched this bear interact with other animals that the worst thing I could do was run. The big bear stopped thirty feet in front of me. I slowly worked my hand into my bag and gradually pulled out the Magnum. I peered down the gun barrel into the dull red eyes of the huge grizzly. He gnashed his jaws and lowered his ears. The hair on his hump stood up. We stared at each other for what might have been seconds but felt like hours. I knew once again that I was not going to pull the trigger. My shooting days were over. I lowered the pistol. The giant bear flicked his ears and looked off to the side. I took a step backward and turned my head towards the trees. I felt something pass between us. The grizzly slowly turned away from me with grace and dignity and swung into the timber at the end of the meadow. I caught myself breathing heavily again, the flush of blood hot on my face. I felt life had been touched by enormous power and mystery.”

WildlifeSelf DefensePredatorGunsBearGrizzlyWildlife Advocacy
Book:Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness
Create image

“The whole concept of 'wild' was decidedly European, one not shared by the original inhabitants of this continent. What we called 'wilderness' was to the Indian a homeland, 'abiding loveliness' in Salish or Piegan. The land was not something to be feared or conquered, and 'wildlife' were neither wild nor alien; they were relatives.”

WholeLandConceptsOriginalsAliensIndianWildernessContinentsAbidingWildlifeHomelandLoveliness
Book:Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness
Create image