The mother bear roared, a deafening sound that shook Mike to the core. Two poachers scrambled for their weapons, but the officers moved swiftly, subduing them. The man who had pretended to be wounded tried to flee, yet was tackled before he could vanish into the shadows.
Within moments, the camp was overtaken. The authorities cuffed the captors, confiscating guns and knives. The caged cub whimpered, pressing its nose against the bars. Mike rushed over, ignoring his bound wrists, desperate to comfort the frightened little creature. An officer helped him pry open the cage lock.