People do not benefit bears by feeding them. If bears can get food from humans so easily, they may lose their natural instincts to hunt and the ecological balance becomes disrupted. This problem has become especially widespread in the National Parks, there visitors frequently ignore signs cautioning them not to feed bears. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a foolproof escape when encountering a bear. For example, loud noises, singing, etc., may initially deter a bear, but in close encounters noises may aggravate rather than scare off the bear.
Experts say it is best to try to react calmly and give the bear plenty of room to escape.
If the bear should run after you, head for the nearest tree and climb it. If possible, drop an object to the ground so the pursuing bear's interest will be diverted from you. If all else fails, play opossum. Avoid taking dogs into areas where bears are present. The two don't seem to mix well.