Why is Omakayas surprised by the first sound of the bear cubs?

Omakayas was surprised by the first sound of the bear cubs because she was actually busy looking at the red berries she found along the trail. The bear cubs also came out all of a sudden from the bush, tumbling towards her.

Explanation:

The question above is related to the story entitled "The Birchbark House," written by Louise Erdrich. Although there are many characters in the series, the main focus is on the character of "Omakayas."

Omakayas was on her way home carrying scissors for her mother and an old candy lump made of maple syrup. Along the trail, she met two bear cubs which also led to her meeting with the cubs' mother.