I would call your attention to an article in Backpacker Magazine which quotes Dr. Tom Smith of BYU. I'm not a fan of Backpacker Magazine, but I am a fan of Tom Smith.

http://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/the-truth-about-bears-the-skills/

I do think that some of the concerns are area specific. A Yosemite bear is likely to act differently from a Yellowstone bear, but, when you are in bear country, you play by their rules. Bear attacks are rare, but they make big news.