There’s a popular saying: if it’s black, fight back; if it’s brown, lay down; if it’s white, good-night. While you’re pretty unlikely to be hiking anywhere near polar bears, you’re also very unlikely to have to meet any type of bear. They’re shy and also don’t want any trouble with you. The best way to deter a bear is to carry a small bell on your backpack or sing horrible renditions of Taylor Swift songs while you hike. In general, avoid fighting bears, unless you really want to win an Oscar for the Best Actor.