It is sad. As dedicated hikers we (a good proportion anyway) have pondered, researched and perhaps even experienced critter interactions and are more likely to do the right thing should we ever encounter it. But as we've all witnessed countless times, most folks just "out for a walk" haven't clue one, and bolting away from a big bear is just what a lot of them will do.

All that said it's still shocking that it happened, since it wasn't the classic "between mama bear and cub" scenario. Have read wildlife biologists describing "punk" bears--usually overly aggressive adolescent males--that act out of the norm. If I ever see a (black) bear following me, I'm going to assume it's not a typical bear and prepare for the unexpected. (Step 1: bring change of underwear.)

Will add I never hike in grizzly country, which is a whole other ballgame.