Don't screw around with bears. Don't waltz with them (unless you're Uncle Walter), don't try to race them, don't talk to them.

Several bear study projects use "bird bombs" in a shotgun to deter bears. These are effectively cherry bombs that are fired in 12 gauge shotgun; they were designed to scare flocks of birds out of orchards. I've also heard of flare guns being used, but I'd hate to burn down the forest to scare the bear off.

I don't fool with ANY wild animal, from pikas and ground squirrels to mountain lions and grizzly bears. If you really don't believe that they're wild critters, read "How To Die In The Outdoors" and/or "Death In Yellowstone" and/or the collection of "Bear Tales" from Alaska.

The critters in the woods aren't tame, and your body may not be returned to your next of kin.