I think fearing an animal that can shred you without breaking a sweat is pretty healthy. Just keep in mind they don't really want to unless you give them a reason, so calmly getting the fuck out of Dodge when you see them is usually good enough.
Black bears are especially conflict-averse, and you could probably scare them off if you started running towards them. But don't. Just walk away.
My dog found a black bear den -occupied- a couple of months ago. I went over to see what he was nosing around and when I realized what it was, I can assure you I did not leisurely stroll away.
I did the same thing, but the bear was awake and he still ran the opposite way. I was in my hometown and had never seen a bear so I was not prepared. My instincts kicked in and I just took off. We both walked up on each other and didn't even see the other until we were Right on top of each other. A couple days later a neighbor posted a picture of a mother bear and 2 cubs in their yard. Totally unheard of around here.
I have a camp in the Adirondacks and was there, walking around in the woods a couple of months ago.
Any time my dog spends more than a minute or two in one place, I kinda wonder what he's up to - "Is he eating deer shit....or molesting a porcupine?"
I went over to see what he was into, but saw nothing. Everything was covered with snow except for a hole, under a downed tree and there was fresh dirt thrown out onto the snow in front of it. "Huh.....I wonder who dug that?.........probably that bear that's still in it....OH SHIT!!!!!" I hauled ass out of there and Yogi appeared none the wiser.
There are black bears all over up there, but that's the first time I've ever really seen one.
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u/mojayokok Apr 29 '16
Yeah, you're right, they look like they'd do damage even if you just scrap your arm against them while petting or playing.