"I have been around black bears all of my life and find that while there may be the occasional rogue, 99% of them are reasonably peaceful, docile, quiet animals. Black bears are timid and reclusive. They infrequently impact humans.

Bears that become dependent on human food sources, such as garbage or homeowner handouts, become very uppity when this largesse is withdrawn.

First and foremost when bear visits ares suspected and damaged is observed, is to cut off absolutely all sources of food while simultaneously and vigorously discouraging the bear from coming around. Fish and Game officials can react quickly by catching the now-hungry bear in a live trap. They may take it 50 miles off into the forest, but there is no guarantee bruin won't return.

Bears easily range 50 miles if they wish. A relocated bruin could be right back at home in suburbia that night if it continued to believe your place provided the best deal..

Pepper sprays will mightly discourage marauding black bears. Pepper spray can be purchased at local sporting goods dealers or mail order from Revel Technology Inc., 832 West 1st, Birdsboro, PA, ARMI Market Products Box 3323, Yakima, WA phone # 1-800-735-1797.
Bears run 35 mph. When necessary, deploy your pepper gas early in large volumes."

This is what Larry said.