Running away will start an attack, and get some freeper to call you stupid.
Okay...run from a black bear, go fetal and play dead for a grizzly. Am I right?
So what was this guy doing poking it with his walking stick?
How far off was the bear when he noticed it?
Far enough to back away and stay out of range until the bear lost interest?
So close there were no options?
Rule #1: DON’T POKE A 900 POUND CARNIVORE WITH A STICK.