Quotes from Stephen Herrero

Running toward and throwing objects at an approaching bear were two of the most effective techniques. Other effective methods were yelling, clapping hands, and banging pots together. Combinations of these mildly aggressive acts seemed to be particularly effective. The farther a bear got into camp, and especially if it was already eating people's food, the harder it was to chase away.

Most daytime grizzly bear attacks are defensive, and most daytime, persistent black bear attacks are predatory. Still, both species may attack defensively or predatorily. The species of bear involved in such attacks offers only a rule of thumb regarding how you should react to try to minimize injury. An additional rule of thumb is this: If an attack cannot be deterred and is defensive, play dead; if predatory, fight back.

What species of bears live in the area you will be visiting: black bears, grizzly bears, or both? I have already documented that black bear females with cubs are much less dangerous in sudden encounters compared to grizzly bear females with cubs. In areas where both species are found, it is sometimes difficult even for the experts to identify whether a given individual is a black bear or a grizzly. When in doubt, assume the most dangerous case—that it is a grizzly.

Bozeman, Montana

Similarly, bear cubs have been observed eating their mothers several hours after the mother's death. Signals between bears are fundamentally important—a mother bear may become a carcass to be scavenged if she stops signaling, I am functioning as your mother. Bears appear to be more pragmatic than sentimental.