Good note about black bears, WesF - as they are actually more dangerous than grizzlies - attack to attack.

Most times, a grizzly is only going to teach you a lesson, it seems - he knows he's superior and is going to give you a beating and perhaps 400 stiches is your reward for pissing him off. Rarely does a grizzly attack turn into a predetory attack, although it does happen.

A black bear, if attacking for the same reason - ie: encroaching on his or her territory, in protection of young, in defense of food, whatever, a Black Bear attack will virtually 98% of the time, tun into a predetory attack and you become a food item.

That is why WesF found that black bear waiting for him, just to check him out. If you don't scare him away, he might think he can handle you and if he makes that decision, he might slowly walk into concealment to one side or the other then move to intercept you. A lightening fast side attack is imminent in this case - it's the manner of the beast - come in from close concealment, low to the ground at 25mph and pull the prey down to the ground to his level - it's about over.

Ever walk along a trail and get the feeling you're being watched? Turn around and there's a black bear behind you on the trail. Keep watching and he might walk into the bush.
Start walking again and in a few minutes, there's another down in front of you on the trail - guess what, it's same bear. Scare him off, or pehaps he'll make a decision that might not be in your best interest. Always be prepared to scare a black bear away- make yourself as large as possible and noise helps. A rifle or handgun shot also works.

Grizzlies are just not that curious abotu people and if they hear or smell you, will usually clear off - they don't like people. Black bears at times, are not that wary of humans - see the second and third paragraphs.

This, in my opinon plus what I learned in a Government Employee Bear Awarness lesson. It is worth knowing by everyone.