The immediate physical threat became apparent when the bear lunged towards Altha. The animal’s motivations remained ambiguous – was it provoked by Altha’s movement, or was there another underlying cause? As the bear drew nearer, Altha’s heart raced, and she knew that her extensive experience with these creatures might not be enough to deter this aggressive bear.
Regardless of the bear’s intent, the very real danger to Altha was palpable. These creatures possess formidable strength, capable of inflicting fatal damage with a single swipe. As she faced this life-threatening situation, Altha realized that her usual encounters with bears, no matter how peaceful, had not prepared her for this life-and-death struggle.