An "encounter" requires that both parties see each other. I venture to guess that most backpackers DO pass by bears but simply are unaware. Just about every trip I go on I see one if not more black bears. But I REALLY look for them. If I want to see one, I just am very quiet; if I do not want to see them I make lots of noise and then still have a good chance of seeing them! That goes for other wildlife too. If you are jabbering to others and have your eyes on the trail, you will miss most of the wildlife.

What I am trying to work on right now, is to be fast enough to get a photo of the bears I see. For some reason, when I see a bear grabbing my camera is the last thing on my mind. By the time I do, it is too late. All my "wildlife" photos I have are horrible - little dots in the distance! I guess you have to really make an effort to get good wildlife photos.