When a bear becomes aware of your presence during a field encounter, it will "talk" to you.  No, it won't ask you how your day is going--it may not vocalize at all.  But almost certainly it will exhibit behaviors which can usually be "read" with a high degree of confidence.  Here are some of the "readable" behaviors generally exhibited by bears.

Unconcerned Bears

• Continue with normal activities
• Maintain course of travel
• Continue fishing or other feeding
• Continue nursing of cubs
• Continue resting

Nervous or Curious Bears

• Discontinue or alter normal activities
• Move off trail
• Break into a run
• Rear on hind legs to look and smell
• Pace and look around

Moderately Agitated Bears

• Woof
• Walk stiff-legged
• Quarter away with lowered head
• Salivate
• Moan or growl

Angry Bears

• Pop jaws
• Salivate
• Bounce on front legs
• Slap brush or nearby objets
• Bluff charge

There is a catch!  Bears are not totally predictable; but that's part of their mystique, majesty, and glamour.  They also live in a world of bluff ... without it, constant fighting would severely reduce survivability within the species.

So how does a person tell a bluff charge or other aggressive behavior from the real thing?  Years of experience!  Ask your guide for more information.  He or she will have additional tips for you.  But do it when you've got plenty of spare time ... it's a tough question to ask without getting a yarn or two in return!

In the meantime, stay away from sows with cubs, advertise your presence with plenty of noise, never crowd any bear, and do your best to accurately "read" bear behavior!

--information provided by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge