A Field Guide to Bear behavior from the National Park Service
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 Bears are typically solitary animals. Much of their communication at feeding aggregations, such as occur in Katmai National Park, serves to maintain spacing and avoid conflict. Bears appear to have only a limited repertoire of behaviors for this purpose. These behavior patterns are not highly ritualized, as in some species; therefore, their meaning is largely dependent on the context of the situation. Descriptions of some of the behavior and general interpretation of meaning follow to help you understand what a bear may be trying to tell you. But remember that each encounter is unique.
Postures
Standing on hind legs
A bear standing bipedally is typically not expressing aggression. Bears generally stand on their hind legs to gain more information, both olfactory and visual.
Stationary Lateral Body Orientation
A bear may stand broadside to assert itself in some instances. In encounters with humans, it has usually been interpreted as a demonstration of size.
Stationary Frontal Orientation
If a bear is standing and facing you, it is certainly not being submissive. This is an aggressive position and may signal a charge. It is likely waiting for you to withdraw.
Vocalizations
Huffing
When a bear is tense, it may forcible exhale a series of several sharp, rasping huffs. A mother may also huff in order to gain the attention of her young.
Woof
A startled bear may emit a single sharp exhale that lacks the harsh quality of a huff. If her cubs woof, a mother will immediately become alert to the situation.
Jaw Popping
Females with young often emit a throaty popping sound, apparently to beckon their cubs when danger is sensed. A mother vocalizing in this manner should be considered nervous and extremely stressed. Bears other than sows also jaw-pop.
Growl, Snarl, Roar
A clear indication of intolerance.
Other Indicators
Yawning
Indicates tension. This behavior may result from the close proximity of another bear or human presence.
Excessive Salivation
A clear sign of tension, salivation may appear as white foam around the bear's mouth.
Charge
The vast majority of charges are ones in which the bear stops before making contact. The intensity of the charge or associated vocalizations may vary, but it is distinct in that it is an aggressive or defensive act clearly directed at another bear or human. Bears may charge immediately, as a sow fearing for her cubs, or may emit stressed or erratic behavior before charging.
From "The Bear Fact" published by the Alaska Natural History Association in cooperation with the National Park Service.
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