Sometime after, an officer returned Nolan’s pack, which contained a few personal items and a small portion of dried fish. “You’re lucky you brought enough to share,” the officer joked. Nolan managed a weary smile, reflecting on how that act had changed everything.
The wildlife officers arranged for a veterinary team to examine the mother bear and her cub. Satisfied that neither suffered life-threatening injuries, they safely transported the pair to a more secure, natural environment. As Nolan watched the creatures lumber away, he felt a surge of relief and quiet pride.