I think it depends how hungry it is. You never know when it last ate, and what it ate. Even if it's not hungry, it may have a cub near by. If it feels you may be a threat, it could easily maul you to death.
My sister in Florida sees them periodically near her home. They like to rummage through trash bins. She doesn't go out when they are around, so she has never had a problem. They are pretty much like any other animal...leave them alone and they will leave us alone.
It would all depend on the particular bear and his or her situation. A mom with cubs would be much more aggressive than another female. If the bear is hungry .. they might be more dangerous. Some types of bears are more aggressive than others. Best idea is to remember they're wild animals and very unpredictable.
It depends on which kind of bear you encounter. Black bears are the least dangerous in North America but can still hurt you even accidentally because of their strength. We used to camp in the Smokies a lot and when a bear arrives and is interested that dinner you have on the table, you walk away and let him have it. We enjoyed the bears but not the skunks.
Even Grizzly Adams treated Ben with respect and caution.
Seriously ... the real life John "Grizzly" Adams in 1855 suffered head and neck trauma during a grizzly attack in the Sierra of California. His scalp was dislodged, and he was left with a silver dollar-sized impression in his skull, just above his forehead. Adams had made pets of several grizzlies, and often wrestled with them while training them and in exhibitions. During one such bout, his most delinquent grizzly, General Fremont (named for John C. Fremont), struck Adams in the head and reopened the wound. It was subsequently reinjured several times, eventually leaving Adams' brain tissue exposed.
They seem like pretty shy creatures, but definitely not something you should mess with. Also, like others have said, depending on the type of bear it may be more aggressive.
Bears treat humans just as they would other bears; the problem is that bears are very physical with each other, with the intentional use of bites, swats or body posturing.
I think I came across that fact during a search on previous "bear" question. I don't think there were any numbers posted, but I was surprised to learn how widespread they are in your state.
I tend to associate them with the Northwest states where I grew up.
I'd probably be dead if I figured bears are gentle. So when I'm in the wild I figure bears are something that could kill me no problem and I do things to cut down on the chances of one crossing my path like keeping an eye out for them and banging a couple of rocks together ever now and then so the bears head off in a different direction. I also always have a Bear Banger (makes a loud bang) and a whistle with me just in case of a close incounter. Cheers!
How dead do you want to be? Bears can and will kill you regardless of the species; Black, Brown, Grizzly etc. Give them a wide berth and the respect they deserve.
Google safety in Bear Country. Take the information to heart and you just might be alive next year...... Just saying
Walt O'Reagun 