We have problem bears in a few area campsites in my neck of the woods. They will come to within a 100 feet during the night before everyone is tucked in. If you have a bear problem then definately keep the scents down to a minimum. Short hikes to party spots are often visited by careless teens looking to get wasted and have fun. I've hiked into sites with hotdogs on the ground and raw hamburger that is half eaten. Beer will also attract bears. Anything that is food related and known in your daily life will attract a bears attention. Once an area has a party atmosphere then beware. Because once a beer relates humans to food then it doesn't actually have to smell food to be dangerous. He just has to smell you. Bear over population will also drive bears to out hunt and out eat their rivals. If there is a large amount of bears in an area then expect a better then average chance of seeing one. DEC should have records of the animal kills and what counties they are from. You might want to check out the list and look for local area's that have had a low kill count. You still want to remember though that your chance of being killed by a black bear are very small. It might feel like a real possibility but just look at the numbers. Less then 100 people killed by black bears in the last 100 years. That's less then 1 person a year and look at the massive amount of people who go into the woods every year. If a bear does get close then remember to not make eye contact, that to them is a threat, don't run, that's what they want you to do. You are much easier to take down well you are running away. If you have a backpack a jacket or a canoe then make yourself look bigger. Hold whatever you have high above your head. Most bear encounters end right there. Take a 6 inch buck knife with you and make sure its sharp. If a bear does knock you to the ground then go for its guts. Its one of the softest area's of a bears body. tie all of your food well away from camp and at least 15 feet in the air. Don't even keep toothpaste in your tent if your in an area of problem bears. If you go with a dog then keep it on a leash. Dogs have been known to find bears and when the bear attacks the dog it takes off right directly back to its owner. Wear bear bells on your pack. If a bear charges you then stand your ground and try not to poop yourself, the smell might attract him even more. Ok so I just threw that last part in for fun. A bear will do a bluff charge. If he doesn't like you and wants you to go then by all means back away slowly and yell at him. Just don't scream like a little girl, he might think your wounded and try to shut you up. I've read that indians use to talk in a deep monotone voice and its soothing to big game animals when they are to close for comfort. And I think my typing finger just went numb. Well I hope this helps you out and remember to have fun out there. Swizzle