Treadwell he fed well the big bears of Katmai

While camping on the trail


One last time he did fail


To see certain danger


Or listen to the Ranger.


Bear headed to the river -


Perhaps it would deliver


Some scaly swimming fish;


That was Bear's only wish.


Then snout it fully scented


Two people close by tented.


The man was "sweetly singing,"


Bear's empty stomach "ringing"Š


The woman yelled, "play dead"


For somewhere she had read...


Alas, too little, too late,


Big Bear had taken the bait.


While the Bear supped, he sat


Till not much left, but hatŠIn


In the woods, the Bear shat,


Rendering California greenie bear scat.


The moral is clear my son:


If you are not fast enough to outrun


And choose not to carry a big gun,


Tent camping in Katmai you should shun.


Treadwell he fed well


The big bears of Katmai.

David Rafter / Anchorage AK