Okay...you take the bow and arrows...I'm gonna take a large firearm...and lots of very big bullets. I appreciate a challenge as much as the next guy but those piggie things are frightening (and I understand that they don't smell too good, either).

But on a lighter note; I refer you to the most excellent book, "A Walk In The Woods" by the remarkable Bill Bryson (also "In A Sunburned Country" and "Shakespeare: The World As Stage" by the same author) for a great perspective on bears and cross-country hikers. It is hilarious and Bryson's partner Katz had the best possible solution to provide sustenance while hiking through bear country: a backpack full of Snickers bars.

Yum....

Best

AA