Man’s Instincts Versus Bear’s

Man’s Instincts versus Bear’s

In Widrig’s Story by G. Galef, two living being’s instincts; one of survival, the other of protection and inborn tendencies, collide. When Widrig trespasses into a bear’s territory, the affects and instincts that unfold in between the two are clearly seen. Widrig’s instincts to save himself and the bear’s instincts to protect his cub help both creatures to survive not only in their own separate environments but also in the midst of each other’s.

Bear’s instincts are ones of protection and ownership of their land and offspring. For example, when the bear heard the man coming, he “woofed” and stood up. The bear was ready and alert, searching for the invader. The bear did not hide but made his presence known. In addition, he went toward the cub and then turned on the man. The bear’s instincts told him to watch the cub and then do what was necessary to save it. The bear turned on Widrig in order to ward off the enemy. Furthermore, the bear came right for him and ripped him apart. The bear acted defensively due to his instincts. The bear attacked and continued to attack Widrig until he was no longer a threat. Bear’s instincts are based off of their protection of their cubs and a need to eliminate threats to their territory.

Man’s instincts are ones of self preservation and survival. For example, the man yelled, “Bear! Bear!” when he saw the bear in the bushes. He didn’t yell it in order to watch out for the other people, but rather to