I think it's too many naive people with no clue about how to take responsibilty for their own safety and well being. Let's just say if there is a "violent encounter" between a bear and me...... don't bet on the bear. I have had a few encounters with bears (black) and they so far have always given ground. Even though I am usually armed, I always take precautions to avoid unfriendly contact with them. I do love seeing them on good terms though. One of my favorite memories is of sharing a British Columbia lakeshore with a mother bear and her cubs while fishing.