marshall, attached is a link for a PDF file from NBEF on Black Bear Anatomy. It talks about shot placement and has blowouts of black bear anatomy, should answer your questions.

The best shot is broadside and wait for the near leg to clear(move forward), aim for the opposite shoulder and it will put the bullet unobstructed and squarely in his vitals.

Pick the right bullet you want a solid constructed bullet that will stay somewhat intact and penetrate through heavy bone and muscle(ie: Nosler Partition, win failsafe, TBBC, Accubond, etc)

[link]http://www.bowzone.ca/pdf/bearshotplacement.pdf[/link]