RE: What's the closest you've been?
I was turkey hunting and had a black bear cub come in close enough to touch. Mama bear was also really close, I'd guess within 10 yards. I was dug in at the base of a large wild cherry tree in a wet bottom, and never saw them approaching from behind. At that point, they were too close to make any sudden moves.
Mr. Cub picked me out at about one foot away and the situation quickly deteriorated. Quite a memory, to say the least.