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“Maggie’s hter, actually I’m Jason Kellerman, by the way” He extended his hand, and Ben shook it firly warmth skittered up Jason’s arm

“Nice to ies for the assumption” His brow had furrowed, but he didn’t stare at theement the way some people did

Jason waved his hand “It’s okay, we get that a lot Maggie, what did you want to ask?”

She bounced on her toes “Okay, so if we see a grizzly bear, will it try and eat us?”

Ben looked thoughtful “Well, little girls do taste awfully good”

Maggie giggled “Be serious Would it really try and eat me?”

Ben dropped the teasing tone “The simple answer is: maybe But remember that bear attacks are extremely rare If you’re sensible and take precautions, you’ll be just fine Most bears want nothing to do with us”

She persisted “But what if you do everything right and still run into a bear?”

“If you see a bear in the wild, the first thing to reainst all your instincts, but if you run, the bear will follow, and believe me—bears can outrun anyone”

Jason tried to laugh “Gee, that’s a coht”

Ben srizzly attacks really are rare So if you see one, first you assess the situation How far away is the bear? Has it spotted you? If it hasn’t, back away slowly Remember, don’t run Now, if the bear does see you, just stay still, and talk to it in a calm voice Bears don’t see very well, so it could help to let it know you’re a hu”

“Could help?” Jason asked

Ben spread his hands wide “I’ with the wild” He sain, and Jason’s stomach flip-flopped oddly Talk of bears always made him nervous

“Daaad, stop interrupting!” Maggie eagerly waited for Ben to continue

Jason -his-lips motion as Ben said, “Okay, so once it’s clear that the bear’s getting aggressive and not leaving, try andas possible Wave your coat over your head and shout, and hopefully the grizzly will decide you’re not worth its while”

“Maggie, remind me e came to Montana?” Jason teased She shushed him