The bear took a couple of steps away from the twitching remains of the body and dug its claws into the dirt as it loped toward me. I knew I should turn and try to run for my life as fast as I could, but I was paralyzed. The animal halted a few feet away. I could smell and see the fresh blood dripping from its sharp canines in its slightly open mouth. The animal leaned back as it bore its long nails into the grass, tearing up the dirt and leaving the ground beneath it bare. I knew exactly what was going to happen to me next. The animal was going to attack with its claws and teeth. I was going to die. It was as simple as that. With a final helpless mental plea to my legs, though an unsuccessful one, the animal pulled his bloodstained lips back from his teeth before he lunged at my head. Once I saw the back legs leave the ground, adrenaline surged through my veins. Right away, I raised my arms to shield my face, but I wasn't quick enough before the bear made contact. -from New Beginning