Deeper into the woods, they came upon a makeshift camp. Tents loomed between tree trunks, illuminated by dim lanterns. Several people dressed in rugged gear eyed them suspiciously. Near the largest tent, a small cage held something that whimpered—the shape of a frightened bear cub.
Mike’s throat tightened. So that explained the adult bear’s actions. The poor creature wanted help to free its cub. These were poachers, a twisted group exploiting wildlife for profit. The cub huddled in the cage, ears flattened in terror. Mike glanced back at the mother bear.