Typically

A defensive bear will stop attacking once it thinks you are no longer a threat. When the attack stops, remain still. Wait for the bear to leave.
If you start moving before the bear is gone, it may resume the attack. If an attack is prolonged or the bear starts eating you, it is no longer being defensive. You must now fight back with all you've got! Your life depends on it. Remember that the nose is sensitive.

A bear that deliberately approaches you, showing little or no stress is not acting defensively. If a black, they could be acting in a predatory manner. If you have moved well out of the bears territorial space, and he follows, then how you react is different: in this situation you need to be defensive yourself.

Let the aggressive bear know you will fight if attacked. The more the bear persists, the more aggressive your response should be. Shout at the bear. Stare it in the eye. Challenge it. Make yourself look as big as possible. Stamp your feet as you take a step or two toward the bear. Move slowly uphill of it. Stand on a log or a rock.

This is the time to use your deterrent. We recommend Bear Power Pepper Spray. This can be ordered online by clicking HERE or the banner below. They also have a great accessory for RVs that hangs on your wall ready to use (called Get-A-Grip) and can easily be moved from your motorhome wall to your bicycle or ATV. This site also has some good safety tips for traveling in bear country as well as How To Use Bear Pepper Spray (Please be sure, if you purchase from this resource sponsor, to let them know you saw them in MotorHomeTraveler.com)

Threaten the bear with whatever is at hand. Most bears stop short of attack, but they may approach very close. (continued next page)