1. The “Gentlemen Bears” Incident:

In a particularly humorous journal entry, the men encountered several grizzlies and referred to the bears somewhat sarcastically as "gentlemen." This nickname came after the realization that these creatures were not the docile animals they had imagined, but instead fierce, nearly indestructible predators. After being chased, attacked, and nearly killed by grizzlies, the men began referring to them in a resigned, almost respectful way as the "gentlemen" of the plains.

Clark wrote:

"The Indians give this bear the name of white bear, and I find that they do not fear them as much as they appear to dread the common black bear. I have myself never seen a more tremendous looking animal and do not know but I had rather fight two Indians than one bear."

Referring to the grizzlies as "gentlemen" reflects the crew's mix of respect, fear, and dark humor after their harrowing encounters.

2. The "Bulletproof" Grizzlies:

Time and again, Lewis and Clark were shocked by how tough these animals were. The journal entries recount how the expedition shot one bear repeatedly, yet it continued to charge. On multiple occasions, the men would fire five or six times into a grizzly, but the bear would keep coming, seemingly unaffected. These experiences gave rise to their sense that the bears were practically "bulletproof."

One particular incident described a bear charging at them after being hit multiple times. Clark noted with grim humor:

"The singular character of this bear continues to amuse us all. These gentlemen are very tenacious of life."

The term "tenacious" hardly does justice to the bear's resilience—they required numerous bullets to be brought down, leading to many failed attempts to kill one quickly.

3. Fleeing into Rivers:

On more than one occasion, members of the expedition found themselves fleeing from grizzlies into rivers. One such instance occurred when the men fired repeatedly at a grizzly, but it continued to charge, forcing them to jump into the river for safety. The bear, fortunately, turned away. This comical moment of absolute terror highlighted the mismatch between the men’s weaponry and the bears' overwhelming strength.

Lewis humorously recounted:

"We shot nine times at the bear before it fell. At the very moment I fired, he made a tremendous leap and ran at full speed twenty or thirty paces before he fell."

4. Constant Fear of Grizzlies:

The bears were such a constant threat that they became a regular topic in the expedition's journals. On one occasion, Clark noted that he would rather face a group of Native American warriors than a single grizzly bear. The bears were not only physically intimidating but also intelligent and persistent, often stalking the men, leading to sleepless nights.

Lewis wrote:

"The bear followed us with so much tenacity that we were obliged to place our selves between him and the party for fear of his injuring someone."

The frequency of these encounters made the bears not just a physical threat but a psychological one, wearing down the morale of the expedition at various points.

5. The Conclusion: A Mix of Awe and Exhaustion:

By the end of their journey, the men had developed a sort of dark respect for the grizzlies, albeit mixed with exhaustion from having to constantly defend themselves. They had learned that grizzlies were not to be trifled with and that their original assessment of the bears as just another animal to hunt was laughably incorrect. Their journals reflect both this newfound respect and a sense of incredulity at how the bears seemed to defy the laws of nature, surviving under conditions where other animals would have quickly succumbed.

Conclusion:

Lewis and Clark’s grizzly bear encounters are legendary for their mix of fear, awe, and humor. The "gentlemen" nickname and the frequent description of bears as "tenacious" or "indestructible" underscore how much the men underestimated these creatures. Despite their superior firepower, the bears consistently outmatched them, providing the expedition with some of its most memorable (and frightening) moments. These encounters remain some of the most famous and humorous episodes in the journals of Lewis and Clark, marking the grizzly as a symbol of the untamed wilderness they were exploring.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5601596&forum_id=2\u0026mark_id=5310880#48133123)

One particular entry, penned on May 5th, 1805, stands out for its blend of awe and humor. The explorers, initially mistaking a massive grizzly for a "white bear," found themselves humbled by its sheer size and ferocity. Lewis, recounting the encounter, couldn't help but marvel at the beast's "monstrous" proportions, noting its paws that measured a staggering nine inches across. Yet, in a moment of wry observation, he also remarked on the bear's "gentlemanly" demeanor, noting that it seemed more inclined to retreat than attack.

This seemingly contradictory description encapsulates the explorers' complex relationship with these magnificent creatures. On the one hand, they recognized the grizzly's power and potential danger, recounting tales of stolen breakfasts and near-death encounters. On the other hand, they couldn't help but admire their resilience and even their occasional displays of restraint, leading to surprisingly lighthearted descriptions like the "gentlemanly" bear.

The journals paint a vivid picture of the explorers' evolving understanding of grizzly bears. Initially, they approached them with a mix of curiosity and bravado, confident in their firearms and hunting skills. However, as encounters grew more frequent and intense, their respect for these creatures deepened. They learned to exercise caution, recognizing that even a "badly wounded" bear could pose a serious threat.

These humorous and often humbling anecdotes reveal a fascinating aspect of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Beyond the scientific observations and geographical discoveries, their journals offer a glimpse into the human experience of encountering the wild, where fear, admiration, and a touch of humor intertwined in the face of the unknown.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5601596&forum_id=2\u0026mark_id=5310880#48133125)