When the Lion fought the Bear: Interspecies Cage Fighting on the Mexican Border
historybanter.com
On April 1, 1895, American businessmen, Mexican elites, local officials, soldiers, vaqueros, and vendors selling cold drinks filed into the Plaza de Toros bullfighting arena in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Sitting just across the border with the United States, the bullring had been prepped for a spectacle. Red, white, and green Mexican flags hung throughout the…

Literally breaking a lions back with a strong swip of its paw. I've seen wild Grizzlies in Yellowstone and they are truly awe inspiring animals.

  • pooh [she/her, any]
    ·
    2 years ago

    That was a sad read :(

    If anyone else needs some brain cleansing, here's a happy grizzly just chillin in the wild: https://youtu.be/uWYAhqpH0ew

    • Cyraxx23 [he/him]
      ·
      2 years ago

      Yeah it's gross. I was just amazed at just how powerful they are. Regardless glad this kind of shit is for the most part left in the past, pitting predatory animals against each other just for human amusement is revolting.

      I've seen Grizzlies in Yellowstone they are magnificent animals that deserve the respect you would grant a human being.

      • pooh [she/her, any]
        ·
        2 years ago

        I’ve seen Grizzlies in Yellowstone they are magnificent animals that deserve the respect you would grant a human being.

        I agree. Grizzlies are pretty amazing animals. Also pretty amazing to me how clever they can be, in addition to their strength. Like this bear stealing whole dumpsters from a restaurant: https://youtu.be/io9SxQXcYzo

  • JustAnotherCourier [none/use name]
    ·
    2 years ago

    CW: More animal abuse.

    spoiler

    Driving through Eastern Oregon once, a few decades ago, I stopped in a small town that had a grizzly as a roadside attraction. I'd seen plenty of grizzlies in parks, and zoos, etc. but I can only say I've seen the actual creature this once. He was mangy, and malnourished, trapped in a cage I'd find claustrophobic. Looking at him though, his nature as a being of both incredible ferocity and gentleness were undeniable.

    I still remember the look he gave me, and how I knew it came from the same exact eyes as any human I've seen beg for mercy or kindness. I know how he felt, I think; simultaneously feeling forever broken by his captors, yet suffering the awareness that he could be free if only someone would help him. We paid the fee to feed him an apple, got in the car, and left. I think of him every few years. Never the other bears. Just him.

    • Cyraxx23 [he/him]
      ·
      2 years ago

      Grizzlys are so massive. Keeping them in something like that is killing part of the animals spirit. I feel for the bear and feel for you for having to see the bear like that.

      Sorry comrade.

      • JustAnotherCourier [none/use name]
        ·
        2 years ago

        Is alright, thank you though.

        I agree with your original point, they are awe inspiring. Maybe it's my own alienation speaking, but I really think there's something primal and human about looking at such an animal. Even in bad times.

  • happybadger [he/him]
    ·
    2 years ago

    I want to go camping in the more wild areas of the Rockies, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho/Canada, but grizzlies are biological tanks. Until I have the right-sized gun to defend myself, no way in hell would I risk it.

    (CW: death) Here's one in Yellowstone chasing down a trophy bull elk and fighting it in a river: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzo2Ie7B7CI . Those elk combine the power of a horse with a head full of knives and it's completely helpless. There's another video of one raiding a black bear den, just digging straight down through like 2m+ of earth and tree roots to eat another bear. Nope.