It was a typically normal time in the Wood River Valley this week, filled with events that we all take for granted. However, for a visitor to the area it would all seem to be rather astounding.
Visitor: Excuse me, do you live here?
Local: Yes, I do.
Visitor: Is it true that a man was attacked by a maverick bat while fishing during the middle of the day this week?
Local: Yes, I heard that. What's your point?
Visitor: Well, I find that horrifying and strange.
Local: You do? Hey, we're not talking about "Dracula" here. He'll get some rabies shots and resume his life.
Visitor: I know, but the bat apparently acted alone. He wasn't in a swarm or anything.
Local: There's a lot of individual thinking in this community, pal. That's what makes Idaho great.
Visitor: Yeah, well then, what's the story on the bear in the cemetery?
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Local: Again, individualist thought on the part of the bear. He probably wanted to get away to a quiet place where he could reflect upon his life.
Visitor: In a tree?
Local: Why not? I do it all the time.
Visitor: So, do wild animals often turn up in populated areas?
Local: Well, yeah. All of them except the wolves of the Phantom Hill Pack.
Visitor: Phantom Hill Pack?
Local: Yeah, they're currently in hiding shedding their collars, but they'll be back.
Visitor: Why are they in hiding?
Local: Because they're not individualists.
Visitor: Oh.
Local: You see that, don't you?
Visitor: Well, where can I learn about these local individualists? Do you have courses at the local YMCA or YWCA?
Local: It's "Y-Lite" now. They answer to just "Y."
Visitor: Why? Never mind—individualist thought, right?
Local: Bingo.
Visitor: Nice talking to you.
Nice talking to YOU.