imported post
Got a bit of experience/knowledge of bear behavior (not a bear biologist myself but have worked with one...problem is everyone wants to be one, including me) so I'll throw in my two cents.
Anyways, the thing you have got to remember is that not all bears are the same. They are one of the most intelligent groups of species behind whales and apes. So, one bear might be a short-tempered bi--h and another might just be a sissy bi--h. But like I said, they're smart, so for the most part brown or black bears (or most bears that have had human contact) are going to be leary of you.
Are blackies more aggressive? Maybe, maybe not. Play dead? Depends on its behavior. Did you spook it when it was sleeping alongside the trail or did it pull you out of your tent at night? Can grizzlies climb trees? Yep. Can you outrun it downhill? lol...stupid question. It can outrun you, outswim you, and outclimb you. Studies have shown your best bet is bear mace believe it or not. Not surprising considering the same facts about humans. Even if you pump them full of 45, an attacker (human or furry) is still going to have enough time to try and rip your face off unless you hit them in the thinker. But mace to the primary sensory systems? What the f--k did this potential prey do...I want nothing of this!
**I still carry my gun though too. Twelve rounds for the bear and one last one for myself.**