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Of course it depends on how much squirrel you want left...

Or how much of you is left after shooting a Polar Bear?

Seriously, I think .308 might be a bit light for big bears. By today's hunting standards, anyway.

Shot placement, shot placement...
Along with the right load...
However, in a close encounter you are absoulty-without-a-doubt correct.
Then I want a double in .600 nitro and a really good set of running shoes.

And a hunting partner that isn't as fast on his feet as I am.

Actually , a fair number of grizzlies are taken up here with .308's. Bullet selection is very important- you really need penetration on those animals, and a .308 would not be my first choice for a big bear (by the way, I saw a polar bear up here two weeks ago).

Most serious bear hunters go with the 30-06, or even the .338 (talk about penetration!). As always, shot placement is the critical factor. For chance encounters, I carry a Remington 870 with slugs and buckshot.

I had a conversation in the sports store at Fort Wainwright a few years ago with a hunter from the "lower 48" who was going moose-hunting- he asked what pistol to carry for grizzly bear encounters. Of course, the standard answer is that it doesn't matter- just be sure to file off the front sight, so it doesn't hurt so much when the bear shoves it up your @$$. (Of course, now hat S&W has a .50 caliber revolver, we may have to rethink that...)