Calvin backed up, his heel catching on the doorframe as the bear reared up on her hind legs, looming massive over the porch. HISS. A tranquilizer dart buried itself into the bear's shoulder. The beast roared in fury, taking one heavy step toward Calvin before her eyes rolled back. She staggered sideways, crashing through the porch railing and slumping heavily into the deep snowbank below, completely subdued.
The two officers rushed forward, snow flying from their boots. The lead officer checked the bear’s vitals, confirming the drug had taken full effect. "She’s out cold," the officer panted, wiping sweat and snow from his face.
"Calvin, stay close. We still have to check what’s inside that barn. Whatever was in that wasp nest is still unaccounted for, and if there’s a second aggressive animal in there, we need to know now." Calvin swallowed hard, his heart racing all over again as the officers unholstered heavy sidearms and flicked on tactical flashlights.