Most conflicts between humans and bears occur because the animal is searching for food or is surprised while feeding.
Bears are territorial animals.
Running may stimulate its instinct to chase, and humans cannot outrun bears. Stand and face the bear, make eye contact without staring and pick up small children so they do not run or panic. Do not climb up a tree because black bears are excellent climbers and may climb after you. If a bear approaches, try to demonstrate that you will not be easy prey by making yourself appear larger, raising your arms and opening your jacket. Yell at the bear, bang pots and pans and generally create commotion.