Hmmm - flare pistol. Using those newer CG plastic things or an older military type? I guess flare would work but not in my country (western Washington) too many trees and very dense too. When I’m home and hike around I carry a 30-30 Mod. 94. My dad put on a real good stock recoil pad. We have bear that size too plus cougar, coyote, bobcat - all sorts of woodland critters.
I was suggesting a 37 mm steel flare gun, one capable of sending several ounces of flaming metal onto the predator. Google flare gun videos - some are quite interesting.
Even the relatively pipsqueak “Dragon’s Breath 12 gauge videos may illustrate the concept better than my typing.
IMHO, if the fur is afire, the ears charred, the snout, lips and whatever amount of tongue is exposed are suddenly equipped with ‘smoking holes’, and vision suddenly goes bad - well, ‘tis my opinion the bear will change its priorities STAT.
I happen to often carry a 4” .44 mag with 310 grain slugs or a .454 (7.5”) with rather heavier slugs if it is dry and I am concerned with fire.