I tried replying to loosecannon's question about bears, but the Reply button wouldn't work. Here's my reply:

This is an excerpt from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources website (there's been a lot of bear problems in Ontario the last few years), entitled "What To Do If You Encounter a Bear" (http://bears.mnr.gov.on.ca/fs_encounter2.html):

What to do - Surprise and Close Encounters:

Remain calm. Do not run. Stand still and talk to the bear in a calm voice
Arm your pepper spray
Do not try to get closer to the bear
If the bear does not get closer to you, slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, run, kneel down or make direct eye contact
Watch the bear and wait for it to leave
If the bear does not leave or approaches you, yell and wave your arms to make yourself look bigger. Throw objects, blow a whistle or an air horn. The idea is to persuade the bear to leave
If you are with others, stay together and act as a group. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route
If the bear keeps advancing, and is getting close, stand your ground. Use your bear pepper spray (if the bear is within seven metres) or anything else you can find or use to threaten or distract the bear
Do not run or climb a tree