Unless it's a momma with cubs, sick, or hurt, bears don't want anything to do with people. Food is what they want, if you make it easy for them, they will get it. They have been known to break into cars to get to it.

We had one come to our BBQ last week. He came down the back stairs and was about 10 feet from #1 son. As soon as he saw/heard us, he turned around and left the way he came. I've had them on the roof, on the deck, and as in this latest case, no more than 10 feet away. Never had a problem, they are just looking to EAT.......a LOT.

Oh, and if you HAD to, slugs.