The color of the American black bear can range from black to reddish brown

There is no need to enter the forest pumped with adrenaline, in a state of unchecked apprehension. Though bears are more individualized than most animals, and thus more individualized in their responses to people, they are also generally shy and reclusive and will go to substantial lengths to avoid human encounters. In most cases a bear will do its part; as a visitor to their homes, it is absolutely critical that we do our part as well. The continued survival of bears, particularly grizzlies, depends upon it.

	Grizzly bear, black bear: What's the difference?

A bear that visits a poorly maintained campsite, where it discovers some fish scraps or energy bars, will visit another campsite, and another. Soon it may associate people with easy meals and decide to appear when the campers are up and around, with the idea of chasing them away from their food. Hikers who fail to warn bears of their progress through the forest may surprise a sow and her cubs feeding amiably in a clearing. The sow, following her instincts, may feel threatened enough to aggressively defend her young. When bears and people meet in situations like these, the bear, almost every time, is the ultimate loser. If one of the hikers or campers is injured, park rangers or forest biologists may have to destroy the animal. Yet in a very real sense, it is the sloppy campers or the ill-informed hikers who caused the problem in the first place and are responsible for that animal's death.