mastertangler wrote on Aug 12^th, 2010 at 9:55pm:

most people would be surprised to learn that a black bear is far more likely to be predacious on people than a Grizzly. Don't believe it? Take it up with Mr. Herreres.

Well, yeah, black bears are more likely to try to eat you than grizzlies. But grizzlies still kill many more people than black bears, despite their far fewer numbers.

According to Stephen Herrero (I only have an old 1985 edition, but I'm pretty sure the following advice is still true), the black bears that see humans as a source of calories are often the old decrepit ones that can't find food for themselves anymore, and even the healthy ones can often be fought off with rocks, sticks, etc.

Grizzlies on the other hand won't usually attack you to supplement their protein intake, but instead because you (or your dog) did something to p*** them off, because they are just ornery, or for whatever reason they might have at the time. If you get attacked by a grizzly, get into the fetal position, cover the back of your neck, play dead and pray. (Again according to S.H.)

I'm not suggesting you take black bears lightly, but they're not at all in the same danger class as grizzlies.

All that being said, anyone who visits the backcountry should take basic precautions, most of which have been already discussed. Avoid unnecessary encounters, keep a clean camp, tie your food up well away from the tent, etc.

Don't depend on triple ziplock bags (ineffective) or bear spray (probably unnecessary in canoe country, heavy, and will likely be inaccessible when you need it)

Read Stephen Herrero's book. And follow my #1 camping rule: Never Ever bring food into the tent.