It is sort of amazing that the bear at your place was nervous enough to leave after you made some noise (I am sure your presence standing there persuaded him to go as well). In the Pennsylvania case, it seems like the bear was much more aggressive (unless it got trapped inside and felt it was cornered?) Either way, I am glad that Miss Kitty is fine and eventually came home!
Yes. I am glad he did not get my cat! This bear seems to have some familiarity around people. It moves slowly when backing off. Wildlife said to make yourself look big, talk very firmly to it and do not make eye contact as you back off as they will view it as a threat. Bears do not like loud noise and if you take a big pot and bang the inside with metal it will probably run. Do not block its exit or surprise a bear. Do not interfere with its getting food. Do not get too close. When they are on their hind legs, it means they are sniffing the air. When they stomp a foot and snort they are ticked. You are also not supposed to run or they may view you as prey. I was jogging one night and saw the bear at the edge of the neighbors driveway. I was running right for it!!! I turned on a dime and sprinted like a deer home. I kept telling myself “Don’t run!” “Don’t run!” Surprisingly, he never paid me much mind. This bear knocked my garbage can over one night and pawed it over. I went out and put the garbage in new bags while he was off in the bushes watching me. He came back after I went to bed and ripped those up too! He does prefer not to confront humans but if he does see me, he is generally either nonchalant or slow and methodical even when backing off. One night when I opened the back door suddenly he got spooked and took off across the ditch. He sounded like a horse galloping. Last Christmas, he was running in my neighbors yard like he was spooked and I barely made it inside!