Beyond the fact that this lady had a terrible day, and the appalling nature of the idiot woman driving the car, this video allows me the opportunity to share some bear safety information with the rest of you. This was an unfortunate event for this young woman, but she could have taken steps to prevent this from happening. The result may have saved this innocent bear's life.

There are less than 30 bear attacks per year in the United States. Most are not fatal. So how do you avoid being eaten by bears? It is really quite simple...don't go wandering around in bear country! But, how much fun would that be? Some of the nicest wilderness just happens to be bear territory, and we all want a glimpse of that. Here are some helpful tips to avoid confrontation with a beautiful beast.

• Know the area you are in. Be aware of bear activity by observing clues around you. Check for scat, prints, and any other signs that may lead to bears.
• When camping, do not leave food laying around. Bears have a keen sense of smell and will follow the scent for miles. Lock the food up in your car, or suspend it from a branch away from your campsite. Inviting bears into your camping area is just plain stupid and can be easily avoided.
• While hiking in bear country, wear a bell. Most bear attacks occur due to the startling of the bear, so let him know you are coming and he'll likely run off before you ever get the chance to see him.
• Most animals are very protective of their young. This is also true of bears. If you see any bear cubs, it is a very good idea to get as far away from them as possible, as quick as possible.
• If you are in bear territory, you should be able to tell the difference between the types of bears.
  

Grizzlies get a bad wrap for their viciousness. Their sheer power and size alone cause fear in the eyes of most people, but if left alone and with proper precautions, these bears are nothing but another wonderful piece of nature. One of the tell tale signs of a brown bear is the large hump on its neck. You can also identify a brown bear by their rounded ears, and indent between the eyes and the end of the nose.

Here's how to avoid problems with these bears:

• Carry a special pepper spray designed especially for bears. It basically looks like a mini fire extinguisher that straps to your belt. In case you come face to face with a brown bear,it can spray up to 30ft! It doesn't harm the bear, but rather sends the message that you are not to be messed with. In fact, bear pepper spray has been proven to be more effective than guns. (Don't shoot a bear, unless you are really in dire straits. Your are in their home, and they are acting natural. It's not their fault you pissed 'em off!)
• NEVER yell at, or make eye contact with a Grizzly. No matter how mean and intimidating you seem, the bear will without a doubt get at least ten times meaner than you. Speak softly to the bear, and slowly back away. Do not turn your back.

Black bears are generally less aggressive than brown bears. Identifying a black bear can sometimes be confusing as it is possible that their color matches that of a grizzly. To identify a black bear, take note of the absence of the hump on its neck. The ears of a black bear are more elongated and pointy than a brown's. Usually a black bear will be smaller than a grizzly, but be weary of using this as your only identification method, because some black bears can grow very large.

There are a few different methods when trying to avoid a negative encounter with a black bear:

• Just as you would with a grizzly, speak calmly and softly to the bear. Back away slowly, without turning your back. Usually the bear will just run off or leave you alone as you make your escape.
• If the bear should decide to walk towards you, stand you ground. It is at this point that you want to puff yourself up, and make lots of noise to scare the black bear away. Shouting, clapping, and waving your hands high in the air are a good way to deter an oncoming black bear.
• Do not run away from a black bear, and whatever you do, do not climb a tree. Black bears are agile climbers and you will be screwed if you end up in a tree!
  

If you are in Polar Bear territory, you should know what you're doing. If you don't, then sorry, you are S.O.L.

Bears are beautiful creatures that should be admired from afar. It is ashame for any of these animals have to be put down simply for acting the way they always have. If you are going into bear country, be prepared, be informed, and be respectful.