You are fortunate to have the option of carrying a self defence weapon in black bear country. Since the cancellation of the spring bear hunt here in Ontario a few years ago the bear population is exploding with numerous encounters and even more nuisance bear incidences. To deal with the problem our poor excuse for a government has set up an awareness program with a 1-800 number to call if one has a problem. Have you ever in all your life heard of anything more absurd. The line below is a cut & paste from our Ministry of Natural Resources web site. I don't know if the 1-800 number will work from the U.S. but suggest you try it to get your laugh of the day. gg.

TO REPORT BEAR PROBLEMS: contact the Bear Reporting Line at
1-866-514-BEAR (2327)