I pulled the small bear cubs body from the river, but what happened to me soon after turned out to be a real shock.
As I wander along the banks of the Thames near Oxford, something odd catches my eye on the surface of the water. Floating above the gentle current, I spot a little bear cub.
At first, I assume the cub must be playing, simply enjoying a swim. But as I draw nearer, it becomes clear the youngster isnt moving at allhes just lying motionless upon the water.
Looks like hes drowned, I mutter under my breath, reaching out to fish him from the water.
Carefully, I pull him out. I prod his side gently, give him a little shake, willing him to wake upbut nothing. He seems utterly lifeless.
But then, something truly dreadful happens More below
I pull the small bear cubs body from the river, but what happens to me a moment later shakes me to the core.
Suddenly, a heavy, guttural growl rumbles behind me, sending chills down my spine. I turn slowly, heart racingand then I see her.
From the thicket on the riverbank emerges a massive mother bear. Fury blazes in her eyes, her breath comes in sharp bursts. She spots her cub in my hands, and in that instant, I know she blames me for whats happened.
With a fearsome roar, she rears up on her hind legs. The very earth seems to tremble beneath her.
I pull the small bear cubs body from the river, but what happens next is utterly terrifying.
In a panic, I toss the cub back into the water and bolt along the riverbank. But the bear is far quicker than me. Within seconds, shes upon me and lands a mighty swipe across my back.
Pain shoots through mea searing agony as her claws dig deep, leaving savage gashes. I barely manage to stay upright; my shirt is quickly drenched in blood.
But fear gives me wings. I dash headlong into the thick woods, weaving desperately between the trees until at last, the sound of her furious growls fades into the distance.
Eventually, I stumble out onto a country lane, collapsing to my knees, breathless.
In that moment, it dawns on me: one should never meddle in natures affairs. Out here, the wild has its own rules. No matter what, a human is always an outsider.
