In working closely with wild bears for the past 40 years, I have gradually become more and more comfortable with them as I learned their "language" and how they think. I have learned to trust certain bears and bear families to the extent that they mostly ignore me as I walk and sleep with them for up to 24 hours at a time.

This is probably the most common question we hear. 

The standard answer nationwide is, "Speak calmly and back away slowly."  This is good advice.  It identifies you as a person, shows that you are non-threatening, and gives the bear space.

Is following this advice necessary to avoid an attack?  No.  

No.  Most people ARE afraid near bears and are not attacked.

Black bears are not looking for a vulnerable person to attack.  Their first concern is that THEY will be attacked.

Black bears may have the same worries people do about appearing afraid and vulnerable.  That might be why they become blustery when they are nervous. 

Short answer: No.

In all the testing Ely researchers have done with various brands of pepper spray, no bear has shown the slightest hint of anger.  All quietly retreated to deal with the temporary eye irritation.