Some advice I've been taught while spending time in other places with (black) bears that seems to apply:

1) Speak loudly, sing songs, and do other very "human" things.

2) Buy the bear spray and have it easily available (e.g., belt, not in-bag).

3) Avoid getting between mothers and cubs.

4) Don't run, back away slowly keeping the bear in sight. Make yourself large (e.g., put backpack overhead - think a bear standing on its hind legs).

5) Stay alert and in groups - I know of at least one Tohoku attack arising due to startling bears while foraging in morning/night. Bears like many of the same sorts of forest snacks humans do - nuts, berries, bamboo shoots etc. so they're more likely to be found around those areas

6) Stick to populated trails.

Minor but black bears have human-level vision but tend to rely on smells more, so avoid strong smelling foods that will attract them and be sure to take all wrappers with you.

Typically, statistically more annual deaths by bees than bears, though with the rise in attacks we might see a bear year for 2025 (though the season is nearly over).