Special thanks to Paul Carestia for playing pedal steel
Lots of stuff out there about this old bear. But as in days of yore, much of it was, or is, exaggerated.
His name, Mose, was derived from his love for 'moseying around'. In James Perkins's excellent book "Old Mose", much new information is discussed. For instance, 'some' bear killed Jake Radcliff in 1883, but it probably wasn't the 3-toed bear killed in 1904 by James Anthony. But do read up and see what you think. "Old Mose" could very well have been a composite of several South Park Grizzlies. Some reached 1000+ lbs and struck terror in the hearts of the ranchers in southern Park County.
I hope you enjoy this tune about a legendary bear who was, to the end, just following his instincts. Thanks to Mike Nelson who inspired me to write it and who helped with the historical accuracy of the lyrics.
His name, Mose, was derived from his love for 'moseying around'. In James Perkins's excellent book "Old Mose", much new information is discussed. For instance, 'some' bear killed Jake Radcliff in 1883, but it probably wasn't the 3-toed bear killed in 1904 by James Anthony. But do read up and see what you think. "Old Mose" could very well have been a composite of several South Park Grizzlies. Some reached 1000+ lbs and struck terror in the hearts of the ranchers in southern Park County.
I hope you enjoy this tune about a legendary bear who was, to the end, just following his instincts. Thanks to Mike Nelson who inspired me to write it and who helped with the historical accuracy of the lyrics.
Wharton Pigg owned the Stirrup Ranch. He was focused for many years on hunting Old Mose, but didn't have the key ingredient for running down bears, which was a good set of hounds.
James Anthony was the expert lion and bear hunter who finally brought down Old Mose
On The Trail Of Old Mose
Following fresh tracks in the snow
all over South Park he roams
look, one foot only has 3 toes
they must be on the trail of Old Mose
they said he was here before anyone came
and he got a taste for cattle one day
that thousand pound grizzly was hated by all
just following his natural ways
chorus they're on the trail of Old Mose
and his legend still grows
on the trail of old Mose
wherever that old bear goes
they're on the trail of Old Mose
they got him one day up Stirrup Ranch way
a hunter and a pack of old hounds
they chased him 'round the side of Black Mountain
and they put Old Mose on the ground
they found a few more holes in him
than the hunter left that day
he'd been hit by many a bullet before
but always lived to see another day
chorus
Following fresh tracks in the snow
all over South Park he roams
look, one foot only has 3 toes
they must be on the trail of Old Mose
they said he was here before anyone came
and he got a taste for cattle one day
that thousand pound grizzly was hated by all
just following his natural ways
chorus they're on the trail of Old Mose
and his legend still grows
on the trail of old Mose
wherever that old bear goes
they're on the trail of Old Mose
they got him one day up Stirrup Ranch way
a hunter and a pack of old hounds
they chased him 'round the side of Black Mountain
and they put Old Mose on the ground
they found a few more holes in him
than the hunter left that day
he'd been hit by many a bullet before
but always lived to see another day
chorus
Near the Stirrup Ranch with Black Mountain in the background
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click here for an instrumental version of this song > Old Mose
Bear Trap similar to the one that Wharton Pigg placed in a pond. Mose was momentarily caught, but ripped free, leaving 2 toes behind.
This image, as well as several others, comes from James Perkins's book, essential reading for fans of Old Mose.
This image, as well as several others, comes from James Perkins's book, essential reading for fans of Old Mose.
This variation on a bear trap could be seen years ago, near Lulu City, a remote ghost town in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's from the 1880's era. This picture is from Caroline Bancroft's book "Unique Ghost Towns and Mountain Spots".
click here for a song about Lulu City
click here for a song about Lulu City
As a young history buff, I was proud to have been friends with Caroline