Bears know sign language? Sweet. ASL or SEE? :-]

Or are we talking about a big sign you attach to your partner's pack that reads: TASTES LIKE BACON or SLOW MOVER?


Seriously, I would add a +1 to the post that recommended not eating where you sleep. When in grizzly country I always used to eat dinner before dusk, then hike another mile or so before camping. I'd consider doing the same in an area with known problem black bears, but otherwise I just hang a bear bag.

Black bears are, by and large, more like big raccoons than predators. The only difference is, if a raccoon gets a hold of my pack I'd argue with him. If a bear gets it, it's his! Keep a clean camp, and you'll be lucky to see one. They are so quiet that you are more likely to walk right by one without noticing.

Here in the Appalachians they are still hunted with hounds. It's a debatable practice, but the upside for hikers is that if you bark at a bear they'll run like hell.