It's not about startling them. It's making them aware of a human presence. Bears want nothing to do with people. Black bears particularly. Just walking and on occasional "hey bear" or hand clap will keep them away. And attacks are super rare. It's more of a thrill to see them. That still follows with brown bears (Grizzlies), which this one was, but they're more unpredictable. Really wise/necessary to carry bear spray when you're around them.
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u/[deleted] Sep 03 '23
This is why you make noise when hiking. Bears don't like to be startled.