I've dealt with bears on a daily basis. If you run at black bears and shoo
them they run away. Once has a troublesome bear ripping open the dumpster
and turning it over every night. I went after it at night with the bow and
hit it with a few archery blunts. I've hunted and shot a few.

Avoid bears with cubs and grizzlies. Out in the Cascades you can't see bears
as easily as in the Rockies. Usually the cub will shoot up a tree and you
know the mother is right below. Steer clear of it.

The most trouble I've ever had is with domestic dogs. I've been bitten
several times especially when on a bike. Wild animals are the least of your
worries.