I encountered a mama bear and cub yesterday on the trail and realized I probably didn't follow protocol. I saw the cub first, which was about 10 feet away and apparently startled because it ran from the edge of the trail into the woods. I looked in the opposite direction first to make sure I wasn't between the cub and mama. I then looked in the direction the cub ran and there was mama about 40 feet away looking directly at me. Protocol says to speak calmly and back away slowly. I have to admit even if I tried to speak calmly I don't think any words would have come out. My only thought was to slowly and quietly walk away down the trail. I turned my back to do so, which you're not supposed to do. Since I'm going back to the SNP this weekend, I'd like to handle the next encounter better. Anyone who has actually been in this situation and not just read about it have any advice? Thanks in advance.
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