ORIGINAL: quiksilver

I don't know much about Grizzlies, Brown, Kodiak or Polar bears, but I do know a little bit about Black Bears though - and I'll share my experience:

First of all, there's no gun or spray or voodoo or magic spell that's gonnahelp you.

If you get into a bad situation with a bear - chances are - both parties will be "surprised" to see each other.Hell, I didn't even know whatwas happening -and by the time I realized that a charging bear was"bearing down"-the only instinct that you have is"run." The 12-gauge inmy hands did not come into the equation. You either move or get mashed. Once you figure out where the cubs are - and you're clear, then you can start planning an exit strategy and pointing the gun and making Mr. Tough Guy idle threats. But when the chase is on - you damned sure aren't thinking about stopping and turning around to face your target. LOL

And from my interaction with bears - once you're safe, you're safe. Most bad situations (like mine) occur when unsuspecting person X inadvertently gets between momma A and Cub B. A - X - B And you've just got yourself into a very sticky situation. And since things happened by accident - they kinda melt down kinda fast - and you just hear a bunch of crashing and realize that there is one very angry sow bearing down on your ass. You move it or lose it. It would take a set of 10-pound-balls and a complete lack of common sense to turn around, draw your gun and say "I'm gonna stand my ground, right here between momma and her cubs."

Once you clear the danger- and get to the "standoff" - when she's established positionbetween you and the cubs - you're safe. X - A - B. At that point, you start pointing your gun around and acting like John Rambo. The game is already over at that point. You've already survived.