“@DenaliNPS: Ripe soapberries can turn a river bar hike into a bear-y experience.”
Here’s the not terribly encouraging advice they direct you to:
If You Encounter a Bear
- Running may elicit a chase response. Bears can run faster than 30 mph (50 km/hr). You cannot outrun them. If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly away. Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. BACK AWAY SLOWLY IF THE BEAR IS AWARE OF YOU! Speak in a low, calm voice while waving your arms slowly above your head. Bears that stand up on their hind legs are not threatening you, but merely trying to identify you.
- SHOULD A BEAR APPROACH OR CHARGE YOU—DO NOT RUN, DO NOT DROP YOUR PACK! Bears sometimes charge, coming within ten feet of a person before stopping or veering off. Dropping a pack may encourage the bear to approach people for food. STAND STILL until the bear moves away, then slowly back off.
- IF A GRIZZLY MAKES CONTACT WITH YOU, PLAY DEAD. Curl up into a ball with your knees tucked into your stomach and your hands laced around the back of your neck. Leave your pack on to protect your back. If the attack is prolonged, fight back vigorously.
- IF A BLACK BEAR MAKES CONTACT WITH YOU, FIGHT BACK.
The only good advice in grizzly country is to hike with a partner that is slower than you.
Also, the way to identify grizzly bear scat is that it smells like pepper spray and has little bells in it.
We had a presentation in Yellowstone by a man who had survived a grizzly attack (surprised a mother and cubs). He played dead, and was able to hike out even though he was somewhat mauled. He says he doesn’t backpack by himself anymore.