MNR: Bear Wise

The MNR has a pamphlet on what to do in case you encounter a black bear. Here's the ministry's advice...

• If the bear is not paying any attention to you, slowly and quietly back away while watching the bear to make sure it isn't following you
• Do not approach the bear to get a better look
• If the bear obviously knows you are there, raise your arms and let the bear know you are a human. Make yourself look as big as possible. Speak in a firm but non-threatening voice while looking at the bear and backing away
• Watch the bear to gauge its reaction to you. Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, providing you don't approach the bear. If a bear huffs, pops its jaw/or stomps its paws on the ground, it wants you to back away and give it space
• If a bear closely approaches you, drop any food you are carrying and continue backing up
• If the bear continues to try to approach, stand your ground and be aggressive - use your whistle or air horn, yell, stand tall, wave your arms and throw objects
• If a bear keeps advancing and is getting close, continue to stand your ground. Use your bear spray and anything else to threaten or distract the bear - bears will often first test to see if it is safe to approach you
• Do not run or climb a tree. Bears can run faster and climb better than you
• If the bear makes contact, fight back with everything you have

source: www.ontario.ca/bearwise