I'm no Bear expert, by any measure! But from my reading, there are two types of bear in n.america. Black bears, which have a wide array of colors. And grizzlies- often called brown bears.....at this point in time they are only to be found in Montana and north into Canada. For the record that last griz in the north cascades was killed in the mid 80's. I've seen many black bears while hiking...never been visited during the night- I think..knock on wood. My last hike..the g.f. demanded that I carry a can of bear spray. When I ran into a black bear it was really comfortingly to be able to un pin it and remove the safety.....all as I quickly cleared the area. I now consider it as my regular gear( for the record-at night, it's close by and goes with me when I step out to view the stars)