[JasonC]

Make noise while hiking to avoid suprises of course, and it is obviously much better to be armed. But once the bear actually attacks, it is not going to break it off just to submissiveness, that way lies sorrow. Your chances are vastly better making a ruckus.

[Wycowboy]

But once the bear actually attacks, it is not going to break it off just to submissiveness,

This attack ended that way. If you fight back against a grizzly, with fists, sticks and stones, well.....guess who's going to lose that one?

[HolgerDansk]

Speaking of noisemakers, do not rely on those cute little "bear bells" that are about 1" in diameter. Recent research has shown that bears can't hear sounds that high in frequency! Use a cowbell instead.