1. Don't run uphill; they can do it more quickly than humans.
2. Do run downhill; they fall over more frequently when they try.
3. If you live 'on the flat', run faster than the person behind you......
There's plenty of advice on the internet, which probably varies quite a lot, but the people at the US National Park Service should know what they're talking about:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/scarebears.htm
Does anyone think about stuff like this? I thought the other day, when I was moaning about next door STILL having a paddling pool up in their garden from the summer which is now full of rain, imagine if there was a penguin in there.
I want your sense of imagination, MadMen.
(I often see paddling pools left out all year but, unlike you, my mind doesn't immediately turn to penguins!)
As a very young child I used to drag home very large dogs. I vividly remember a long haired German Shepherd with no collar. I was almost eye height to the dog as I grabbed a bit of his coat and coaxed/dragged him along the road. It didn't want to 'follow me home' but it had no choice. As soon as I let it go - when my mum arrived - it legged it.
If I saw a bear I would take it back to the house - up two flights of stairs. Might go for a walk later.
I would be thrilled to bits to see a bear but if it was too close I would back slowly away. If I had any food it might be after I would throw it towards the bear (whilst backing away). I watched that bear programme filmed in Minnesota a couple of years ago and it was wonderful.