--- a/bin/eselect.in	
+++ a/bin/eselect.in	
@@ -56,9 +56,13 @@ shopt -s extglob
 shopt -s expand_aliases
 
 # Save stderr file descriptor
-# exec {ESELECT_STDERR}>&2		# >=bash-4.1
-exec 3>&2
-ESELECT_STDERR=3
+if (( BASH_VERSINFO[0] == 4 && BASH_VERSINFO[1] >= 1 || BASH_VERSINFO[0] > 4 ))
+then
+	exec {ESELECT_STDERR}>&2
+else
+	exec 3>&2
+	ESELECT_STDERR=3
+fi
 
 # Load core functions
 source "${ESELECT_CORE_PATH}/core.bash" || exit 255