Every bear encounter is different, and no advice can guarantee your safety. However, these guidelines developed by some of North America’s most authoritative bear experts could help: The first step is to determine whether a bear is acting defensively or offensively. That’s the advice from the Alaska Interagency Bear Safety Education Committee. These bear experts say a defensive bear is one you have surprised, which can elicit an extremely rapid attack. If such a bear strikes or bites, you should drop to the ground (keeping your pack on), lie flat, and protect your head and neck. Continue to play dead until the bear leaves. An offensive bear is one that appears to be stalking or moving purposefully toward you, or has come into camp at night. In these extremely rare cases, say bear experts, make loud noises and wave your arms before the bear makes contact. If the bear does strike or bite, aggressively fight it off with any means at your disposal. If you see a bear far off, stop moving toward the bear. Slowly return down the trail the way you came for at least 400 yards until the bear is out of sight. Then, either use another trail or wait 20 minutes before hiking back up the original trail, making lots of noise. If a bear is on your trail, stand your ground and take out your bear pepper spray. (you should have this when camping in known bear area) While continuing to face the bear, slowly back away until it is out of sight. Continue back down the trail for at least 400 yards. Then either consider another route or follow the advice in number 1. If a bear is at close range, the most important thing is to not panic, run wildly, or scream, this could cause a bear to charge. Instead, stand still and be quiet. Get your pepper spray ready. If the bear does not move closer, it probably isn’t aggressive, but stay put until you are sure. If the bear is not acting aggressively, slowly back away, talking to it quietly in a monotone voice. Don’t turn your back on the bear, run, kneel down, or make eye contact. As you back up, slowly move your arms up and down, like jumping jacks without the jumping. If the bear is charging, again, don’t panic. Some experts believe many charges are actually bluffs and that bears just want to scare you. Have your pepper spray ready, but don’t spray unless the bear is within range. If the bear charges then stops, slowly back away. If the bear doesn’t stop, use the pepper spray. If that doesn’t work, then you need to either play dead (defensive bear attack) or aggressively fight back (offensive bear attack).

Take away his credit card? (boom boom) LOL

Outrun your buddy.

Always wear the best running shoes when hiking in bear territory. You don't need to outrun the bear just your companions. Okay, yes I do, it depends if it's a black bear or a grizzly. One you try to act big and and confident and be assertive, that for the black bear. If you have a pack with food in it, throw that down if the bear won't leave you alone. But usually if you are very loud walking the paths they won't even be a problem. Just be the bigger bear. For a grizzly, again, try to let bears know you are coming so they will leave you alone. If you are confronted with one. Be slow, don't run. Don't turn your back to him. If he is coming towards you, drop and protect your neck area, curling up in a fetal position. DO NOT fight a grizzly bear. If you surprised a mom with cubs and you fight her, she will think you are a threat and keep trying to kill you. If she thinks you are dead she many stop.

Actually if you have absolutely no defense at all, you're supposed to drop to the ground and curl up in a ball so the bear will think you're not a threat. Most bear attacks are mother bears trying to protect their cubs. But, I would suggest bringing a large can of pepper spray or mace for plan B.

Come at it with a pointed stick.

Then the Bull market will slow down and the season has come for the hungry bear to come out of hibernation and is looking to eat then mate.

Am I to late with asking how much

run?

Take out the shotgun ....

Kopfschuss is absolutely correct. Curling into a ball is really the only defense unless you have a weapon.

do the opposite of what everyone said