Watch for signs of bear activity - like tracks, torn up logs, trampled vegetation, droppings and overturned rocks. Bears spend a lot of time eating so avoid obvious feeding areas like berry patches, cow parsnip thickets, or fields of glacier lilies. People should never intentionally get close to a bear. Individual bears will react differently so you can't predict their behaviour. Avoid hiking alone.
Groups tend to make more noise than single hikers.
Studies have shown that the most effective sound is the human voice. Shouting out, talking or even singing will alert bears to your presence. Bear bells are not loud enough. Keep dogs on a leash. Bears normally run from dogs, but if the chase continues, the bear may turn on the dog.