Let's put it this way, I'm outside of any real populated towns, or cities. These black bears in the past were always north of us, gradually moving south. It's been about 10 years since they started showing up. I got the bird lady next door that attracts them with all her feeders put throughout the yard. The bears have gotten bolder due to what I believe some residents feeding them. They're a powerful wild animal, and shouldn't interact with people. A fed bear can be a dead bear. There isn't a hunting season on them yet, but I think there will be. It's illegal to kill one. Most I've done is use my wrist rocket sling shock, and mis-abuse them some when they get in my garden.