Bitterroot dropped to the ground and slid through the snow, her wings flared for braking. She turned around; already the bear was close. It moved with a lolloping gait that was no less speedy for its ungainliness. Bitterroot flared her wings and yelled, “Oi! Bear! Over here!” She jumped up and down, flailing her legs for attention, and took off the second the bear was within ten yards of her.