WOW, WHAT AN INTERESTING TOPIC. GREAT ADVISE FROM THE GAL WHO LIVED IN ALASKA. THANKS, FOR POSTING! MY HUBBY LOVES BEARS SO WE TRAVEL THE BACKROADS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST "BEAR COUNTRY." ONCE WE SAW A MAMA WITH TWO CUBS IN B.C. AS FOR OUR DOG, WE KEEP HER ON A LEASH IF WE KNOW THERE IS A BEAR. SHE, TOO, MIGHT THINK TOO BIG & PROVOKE IT. THAT WOULDN'T BE SAFE NOR RIGHT. BEARS HAVE RIGHTS, TOO.