Awakened by ribbons of bright morning light, I groggily stumble to the kitchen where my husband sits obscured by the newspaper. Hearing me enter the room, Frank glances up over its pages. A wide grin quickly spreads across his face. “Seems there are reports of bears in northeastern Iowa,” he says, chin quivering with suppressed laughter.
I'm now fully awake and not amused. I have, you see, a desperate desire to spot a real live bear and Frank knows it. Keep in mind that I have no need to spot a bear: the bragging rights would quickly fade, it's not the type of thing that would enhance my resume, and it's not even on my “To Do” list. Moreover, I don't have the slightest idea where the desire came from. And it might be dangerous. Still ... the thought holds an unshakable appeal for me. So perhaps I'm fortunate to live in Iowa where bear spotting is not likely to happen.
In baiting me, Frank is obviously recalling earlier vacation trips to national parks.
Trips where I was so determined to see a bear that I spotted dozens as we drove through miles of woodland. Those dozens turned out to be three Newfoundlands, at least five full-grown black Labrador Retrievers, several Rottweilers, two black German Shepards, a Beauceron, what I now suspect was a Black Russian Terrier and -- as I neared desperation -- an obese black Poodle. Yes, in my enthusiasm, large dogs had been misinterpreted as bears.
Bears in Iowa? Not likely. I scowl at Frank. “I'm not biting,” I reply.
“No, seriously,” he continues. “Numerous witnesses have reported black bear sightings,” he insists. A pause fills the space between us.
“But... ?” I finally prompt. “But they're only finding dog tracks!” Frank howls.
I have to laugh. Not at the witnesses, but at human nature. I find it amazing how we tend to see what we want to see. Myself included. I am fully capable of deluding myself ... at least for a moment. So today, as a public service, I would like to illustrate the difference between the American Black Bear and a number of dog breeds. When you see the obvious similarities you might forgive me. Then again, you might not!
The last laugh, however, might still be on me! Find out how tomorrow when I probe a little deeper!
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