Playing dead is indeed a pretty dicey procedure,I'll admit. I would prefer to carry a shotgun with slugs. I understand that bear spray is statistically more effective than firearms at halting attacks.

I would check out a biologist named Stephen Herrero and his latest information. He is no theoretical biologist; he has field time and face time with both griz and black bears. I believe he is a proponent of bear spray - and a very clean camp.